Point Dume facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Point Dume State Beach |
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| Location | Malibu, California |
| Nearest city | Malibu, California |
| Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
| Reference #: | 965 |
Point Dume is a special piece of land that sticks out into the Pacific Ocean from the coast of Malibu, California. This long, high cliff marks the northern end of Santa Monica Bay. From Point Dume Natural Area, you can see amazing views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Santa Catalina Island. Zuma Beach is right next to it, to the northwest.
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History of Point Dume
Point Dume got its name from George Vancouver in 1793. He named it after Padre Francisco Dumetz from Mission San Buenaventura. However, Vancouver accidentally spelled the name "Dume" on his map, and it was never changed.
In the 1930s, a large ship called the California would anchor near Point Dume. This ship was used by the California Whaling Company to process whales. They would catch whales, mostly gray whales, during their yearly trip from Alaska to Baja California. The ship would stay there for about four months each winter.
Before the 1940s, Point Dume was a windy, treeless cliff covered in native plants. After World War II, people slowly started to settle there. They planted trees and other plants around their homes. In 1968, Point Dume Elementary School opened. It closed for a while but reopened in 1996. Today, it's known as the Point Dume Marine Science Elementary School. Over time, many of the older homes were replaced by bigger houses with great ocean views.
Point Dume Nature Preserve
The very end of Point Dume, on the northwest side, is called the Point Dume Nature Preserve. It's a protected area where you can enjoy nature. You can find it along Cliffside Drive, but parking is very limited. The beach here is kept safe by lifeguards from the Los Angeles County Fire Department. You can also park on Grasswood and walk a short distance to the cliffs.
Rock Climbing at Point Dume
Point Dume is a great spot for rock climbing, especially for beginners. It has several easy climbing routes that are usually done with ropes from the top. It's a popular place to teach new climbers because it's easy to get to, the routes are simple, and the views are beautiful.
Point Dume in Movies and TV
Because it's close to Hollywood, Point Dume's Westward Beach is a very popular place for filming movies, TV shows, commercials, and music videos. You'll often see it whenever a beach scene is needed.
For example, a beach party scene in the movie The Big Lebowski was filmed near the cliffs.
Important parts of the Planet of the Apes movies were filmed at Point Dume's Westward Beach.
In the Iron Man movies from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the main character Tony Stark's huge house was shown on a cliff at Point Dume. However, this mansion was not real. It was created using computers and added to the scenes later. Point Dume is a protected area, so building on its cliffs is not allowed.
The music video "Sandcastles in the Sand" from the TV show How I Met Your Mother was filmed here.
The first episode of I Dream of Jeannie was filmed at Point Dume. It was used as the deserted island where astronaut Tony Nelson found Jeannie.
The wedding in the second season finale of Chuck was also filmed on Point Dume State Beach.
An episode of the TV series Modern Family was filmed at Point Dume State Beach.
California Historical Landmark
Point Dume is recognized as California Historical Landmark number 965. A special marker at the site explains its history:
- NO. 965 POINT DUME - On November 24, 1793, the English explorer George Vancouver named this rocky point "Point Dume." He named it after his friend, Father Francisco Dumetz, from Mission San Buenaventura. Point Dume is the western end of Santa Monica Bay. It has been an important landmark for sailors ever since Vancouver's journey in 1793.
Images for kids
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Point Dume seen from Zuma Beach.
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A view looking north from the cliffs at Point Dume State Beach.
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A monument at Point Dume during sunset.
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California Historical Monument 965.
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A scene from Planet of the Apes filmed at Point Dume.
