Dume in Bloom

Hike Point Dume for Beautiful Ocean Views and Seasonal Flowers

During wildflower season, nature puts on a spectacular show, and one the best places to see it is at Point Dume Natural Preserve in Malibu. 

On this 2-mile loop, you’ll encounter wild beaches, knockout panoramic views, and California poppies plus beach primrose in bloom. But the leading lady is the giant coreopsis, whose vibrant yellow flowers carpet the cliffside for only a few weeks each spring. 

Start your hike on the left side of the Cliffside Drive parking area until you reach an impressive staircase on your left.

Newly constructed in 2022, the 193 steps cascade down to Big Dume Beach, a secluded cove perfect for exploring tide pools along the rocky sand.

Back at the top of the stairs, continue on the path, bearing left onto the boardwalk. Stop by at the overlook to see if you can spot any gray whales during their migration (best viewed from November through April).

Resuming the loop will take you on top of a rocky headland that juts out over the ocean in dramatic fashion. It’s no surprise this scenery inspired one of the most memorable moments in film: Follow the trail down to Westward Beach below to see the spot where the wrecked Statue of Liberty emerged from the sand at the end of Planet of the Apes.

Retrace your steps back to the loop where eventually you’ll pick up the high trail that you skipped when you did the boardwalk. This final stretch delivers seemingly endless fields of giant coreopsis, along with sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay and the Malibu coastline—an ending that deserves a standing ovation.

From Santa Monica, take the Pacific Coast Hwy. north for 19 miles, and make a left onto Zumirez Dr. (which turns into Wildlife Rd). Turn right onto Fernhill Dr., and then another right onto Cliffside Dr. Drive about a half mile to find limited street parking on your left. If full, continue on Cliffside Dr. to Birdview Ave. until you reach Westward Beach Rd. Additional street parking is available on Westward Beach Rd. or find a paid parking lot on the left which offers easy access to Westward Beach and the trail. No dogs.

Story and photos by Yvonne Paquini, @yvonne_pasquini

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View