Point Dume State Beach, Protected beach area in Malibu, US
Point Dume State Beach is a protected coastal area in Malibu within Los Angeles County, California, that extends along a headland with high cliffs. The rock formations drop steeply into the ocean, while a wide sandy beach stretches along the sheltered side of the peninsula, offering views across Santa Monica Bay and the open Pacific.
The Chumash people inhabited this coastal region for thousands of years, establishing temporary camps along the bluffs where they gathered marine resources. The area was later named after Spanish missionary Francisco Dumetz, and it came under state protection in the 20th century when the ecological and scenic importance of this peninsula was recognized.
The location gained recognition through its appearance in the 1968 film Planet of the Apes, establishing its status in cinema history with the iconic Statue of Liberty scene.
Two parking areas are available: a small free lot on top near Dume Drive and a larger paid lot at Westward Beach. The climb to the clifftop viewpoint takes around 10 to 15 minutes and follows an unpaved trail with uneven steps.
Between December and March, the cliffs provide an elevated viewing platform for the annual migration of gray whales along the California coast. The National Park Service often stations volunteers with binoculars and information at the top during this period to help visitors spot the whales.
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