Point Dume Is LA's Best Beach (And Nobody Talks About It)
Activities·1 min read·By Alex Reed
Point Dume is the beach I wish I'd discovered before spending three weekends fighting for parking at Venice Beach. Better views, fewer crowds, actual wildlife instead of street performers, and you can actually hear the ocean over the noise.
Located in Malibu about 30 miles northwest of Santa Monica, Point Dume combines dramatic cliffs, a legitimately rewarding hike, sea lion colonies, and beach space that doesn't require territorial combat. The catch? It's slightly harder to reach without a car, and locals would prefer you never read this.
Point Dume Quick Snapshot
| Factor | Reality |
|---|---|
| Best Time | April-May, Sept-Oct (fewer tourists, better weather) |
| Daily Budget | $40-60 (parking, food, gear rental) |
| Vibe | Natural, scenic, Instagram-ready but still legit |
| Skip If | You need public transit or party atmosphere |
| Don't Skip | The cliffside hike (20 min, free, insane views) |
| Parking Cost | $3-14 depending on lot choice |
| Crowd Level | ★★☆☆☆ (weekdays) / ★★★★☆ (summer weekends) |