Sometimes being adventurous isn’t easy…
Walking down the steep cliffside stairs to the secluded sandy cove near Point Dume feels like stepping onto a deserted island. No cars in sight, just a small stretch of shoreline reachable only by foot—and only for those ready to navigate the winding dirt path.
For centuries, Point Dume was a sacred place for the Chumash people. Even now, as quiet 1950s ranch-style homes give way to towering post-modern mansions on nearly every lot, the landscape remains dotted with remnants of ancient lives.
State Parks documents reveal that the Chumash inhabited Point Dume between A.D. 1080 and A.D. 1200, according to findings from archaeological tests conducted at the site.
Archaeologist Gary Stickel argues that a 2007 discovery less than two miles from the Point Dume Headlands pushes the area’s human occupation back by 11,000 years. During residential construction, a backhoe uncovered a Clovis projectile point—the only one of its kind found nearby to date.
Point Dume’s story is rich with history and intrigue. The Chumash Indians once foraged its tide pools for fish and shellfish, and the Point served as a crucial communication relay between their villages. The summit of Point Dume was a key link connecting communities in Malibu, Ventura, and Santa Barbara. Standing at the tip, you can gaze eastward toward Surfrider Beach and westward to the crest of Boney Ridge.
Western explorers first came across Point Dume in 1542 when Spanish explorer Cabrillo sailed past it along the California coast. However, it wasn’t until 1793 that George Vancouver officially named the area in honor of Padre Francisco Dumetz from Mission San Buenaventura. Vancouver misspelled the name as “Dume” on his map, and that spelling has stuck ever since.
When people picture Los Angeles, they often imagine celebrities, movies, beaches, surfers, sun-kissed blondes, warm weather, and cruising in convertibles. While that might not capture the whole essence of the city, in Malibu it definitely rings true. Just drive up the Pacific Coast Highway toward Zuma Beach, and keep going until you reach the very end at Point Dume.
Located just a stone’s throw from Hollywood and surrounded by stunning scenery, Point Dume is a favorite filming location for the movie industry. Notably, it served as the backdrop for the iconic final scenes of Planet of the Apes—where the Statue of Liberty appears, revealing that the hero is still on Earth (spoiler alert if you haven’t seen that classic from over thirty years ago). It’s also the site of Tony Stark’s seaside mansion in Iron Man and its sequels, and famously, the place where horror legend Vincent Price had his ashes scattered.
I recommend setting aside plenty of time to explore here, as there’s a lot to soak in. Highlights include the dramatic cliffs on the south side of the beach, the stunning coastline views stretching back toward Malibu, and the charming little deck tucked into the side of the cliff. And be sure not to miss Pirate’s Cove!
It’s amazing that in a bustling, well-known city like Los Angeles, you can still stumble upon hidden gems like this peaceful paradise.
No visit to Malibu is truly complete without exploring the stunning landscape of Point Dume National Preserve. The views along the hike are absolutely breathtaking. While much has changed in Malibu since the days of the Chumash people, standing atop the Point and gazing out over the vast ocean or up the coast toward Sequit Point, you can still glimpse the same timeless scenery the ancient Chumash once saw.
Wander Woman 