There’s nothing like a seaside hike when you feel like spending some time outdoors taking in magnificent views. Hiding out in Malibu, the Point Dume Cove Trail in Southern California is an awesome hike that leads you up into the bluffs and along a boardwalk to amazing coastal views. Featuring a hidden overlook and views of the Southern California coastline that seem to go on for miles, this hike packs in a ton of beauty despite being just over a mile long. Take a look:

The Point Dume Cove Trail is an oceanfront hike that leads hikers to spectacular views of the Southern California coastline. At just a 1.5-mile out-and-back, the trail makes for a lovely adventure at the beach!
Hugo v.d. Tatzenweide/Tripadvisor
The trail departs from Point Dume State Beach, a delightful destination along the coast in Malibu. Known for its rugged cliffs, rocky coves, and vast beach access, Point Dume showcases the best of SoCal's coastal beauty.
Nas S/TripAdvisor
Departing the beach, the trail leads hikers up the coastal bluff toward Point Dume Nature Preserve. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. Hikers are asked to stay on the marked trail in an effort to help preserve Point Dume's unique sand accumulation and the fragile cliffs.
Noel N/Tripadvisor

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Following the trail, you'll be treated to a mesmerizing view of the entire Santa Monica Bay, north Malibu Coast, and Santa Monica Mountains. Looking out to the ocean, you can even see the distant Catalina Island on a clear day!
Martin/Flickr
The trail turns into a boardwalk as it rounds the bluff towards its summit. Looking down from some points along the boardwalk, you can see straight down to the rocky coves below. It's a steep drop, so be careful! The boardwalk leads to a small viewing platform where you can stop for a spell and take it all in.
joaniemaria/TripAdvisor
At the trail's high point, you'll reach a memorial plaque with a brief history of Point Dume. Views of the ocean are even better up here! If you visit between December to mid-April, it's the perfect place to watch for California gray whales during their seasonal migration.
Matt Kieffer/Flickr
The Point Dume Cove Trail packs in a ton of coastal beauty in a short amount of time. Don't overlook this short, simple hike! For more information, visit the Point Dume State Beach website here.
Matt Kieffer/Flickr

Have you checked off this ocean hiking trail from your bucket list? Once you do, here are several other bucket list locations you absolutely must see! The views from Point Dume are just incredible! Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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More to Explore

Southern California’s Natural Beauty

William Suphan | November 05, 2022

What are Southern California’s most beautiful natural attractions?

Southern California is a place that is absolutely full of naturally beautiful places. A local favorite in San Diego is Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. It’s a local ritual for people to gather here at sunset to find some relaxation and take in the beauty of the sun setting over the oceanic horizon. Laguna Beach is known for its beauty and one of the best spots is Shaw’s Cove, where tide pools abound and the waves crash into the rock formations here. In Tujunga Canyon, you can hike to Trail Canyon Falls and see a gorgeous waterfall which is the perfect place to sit and have a picnic.

What are some must-see natural wonders in Southern California?

Southern Californians are lucky that they get to live among so much natural beauty. There are some truly special places to see. The La Jolla Sea Caves are comprised of cliffs with all sorts of holes and striations that make them look otherworldly. Locals love to kayak through them. The Inyo National Forest contains the oldest trees on the planet. The bristlecone pines here are over 4000 years old! There’s something humbling about being around living things that have made it through so much time and have survived humanity. Speaking of ancient nature, Zabriskie Point in Death Valley has rock sediment formations that are over five million years old! They were once at the bottom of a lake.

What are the most beautiful lakes in Southern California?

There are almost too many gorgeous lakes to count in Southern California! Lake Piru in the Los Padres National Forest is surrounded by hills and mountains where the geological layers are quite visible. The whole area is just lovely to see. One of the most famous and popular is Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains. Ask someone in Southern California what they’re going to do over the weekend, and you’ll often hear, “Going up to Big Bear!”. It’s the perfect place for boating, skiing, fishing, swimming, and other water activities.

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