Point Dume, Malibu

ELEVATION & WHALE-WATCHING

Live AI Coastal Briefing

Saturday, July 11, is off to a cool and overcast start, with a dominant marine layer bringing 100% cloud cover to our coastal area. This heavy overcast will typically burn off by late morning, revealing a beautiful day for beach visitors to enjoy a variety of activities. As the day unfolds, we can expect a fun-filled morning for surfers, runners, cyclists, and beachgoers, with plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean.



The surf conditions are looking great for longboarders, with waves at 2.9 feet, or knee to waist high, making for some exciting rides. With the water temperature at 68°F, a spring suit or boardshorts should be sufficient for short sessions in the ocean. However, please note that rip current data is unavailable today, so it's essential for swimmers to check with the lifeguard on duty before entering the water. Additionally, be sure to check the local tide chart for low and high tide times, and keep in mind that swell data is also unavailable.



For runners and cyclists, the morning conditions are quite pleasant, with a gentle wind of 6mph from the ESE and the marine layer providing cool, overcast cover. With a low UV index of 0, no special sun protection is needed just yet, but be sure to apply sunscreen as the UV builds through the morning. Air quality is moderate, with an AQI of 62, so sensitive individuals should limit their prolonged outdoor exercise. Beach volleyball, paddleboarding, and tennis are all great options for the morning, before the onshore breeze picks up in the afternoon. Take advantage of the calm conditions to get your outdoor activities in before the wind increases.



As the afternoon develops, we can expect the marine layer to burn off, revealing a pleasant day with plenty of sunshine. Although pressure is slightly low at 29.75 inHg, indicating unsettled possible conditions, the NWS forecast suggests a lovely day ahead. As we head into this evening, the cool ocean breeze will likely pick up, making for a comfortable and relaxing end to the day. So, get out and enjoy all that our beautiful coastal area has to offer – from surfing and swimming to running, cycling, and beach volleyball. It's shaping up to be a fantastic day, and we're excited to see you out there making the most of it.



Briefing issued 6:10 AM, Saturday, July 11. Live conditions update continuously above.

About This Coastline

Point Dume is a prominent headland on the Malibu coast, rising above broad Westward Beach and a series of smaller rocky coves. Its cliffs, trails and ocean overlooks create one of the clearest natural landmarks in Santa Monica Bay.

The Vibe

The mood is expansive, windswept and exploratory. Visitors climb the short trails for views, watch surfers and climbers around the headland, or use the long beach below for swimming and walking when conditions are suitable. The elevated viewpoints feel removed from Pacific Coast Highway even though Malibu’s residential areas remain close.

From winter into spring, people often scan the water for migrating gray whales. Sunset brings strong silhouettes across the cliffs and offshore rocks.

The Local Anchor

The headland and state preserve are the defining anchors. California State Parks describes Point Dume through its cliffs, rocky coves, extensive beach access and whale-watching opportunities. The summit viewpoint provides orientation across a large section of coast, from Zuma Beach to Santa Monica Bay.

The area also lies beside protected marine waters, reinforcing the ecological importance of its reefs and nearshore habitats. Trails and beaches require care around cliff edges, surf and sensitive vegetation.

The Landscape

Point Dume projects into the Pacific as a high bluff of sedimentary rock. Steep slopes drop toward coves and rock platforms, while Westward Beach forms a wide sandy arc at its base. Coastal scrub covers the upper ground and mountains rise inland.

The meeting of height and exposure defines the landscape. Waves wrap around the point, seabirds move along the cliffs and distant coastlines become visible in clear air. Point Dume is both viewpoint and geological boundary, dividing open beach from the smaller coves of eastern Malibu.