We've all heard of PTSD…read more... You know, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. But have you heard of PDSB?? (I'll break this one down in a bit) Well, if you've read any of my other reviews of the picturesque beaches in Southern California, your PTSD of "here we go again, another review about white sandy beaches, moderate temp. waters and picture perfect sunsets" by Lance L. just might kick in. But bear with me, because this review, you're definitely not gonna want to skip. So what is PDSB you ask? Well Point Dume State Beach of course! Yes, one of Malibu's finest & for good reason too! Sure, when everyone thinks about beaches in Malibu... For those with families, It's usually Zuma Beach, but that's where EVERYBODY goes and because of this, it's ALWAYS packed! And of course, there's where all the surfers go.... Surfrider Beach, hence the name! But Surfrider is for hangin' 10 and you just might get a big stare down by the locals. But Point Dume State Beach or PDSB as I know you will now refer to it is about to be your new favorite. Here's why: A pay lot which sounds like it sucks to have to pay just to go to the beach, but the minimal cost ($6-$15 depending the season) is worth it. The lot is literally parallel to the beach and once you park, you are right on the sand! In addition, Point Dume State Beach, although smaller than Zuma is pretty decent because it's not as well known about so you will definitely find a place to plant that umbrella and set up your beach towel to watch the kids play, throw a football around or work on your tan lines. As far as Safety, Not only is lifeguard towers right on the sand, but a lifeguard headquarters office is also onsite, so if something goes south, help is very nearby. Point Dume State Beach does have fairly maintained, public restrooms that's are serviced regularly by the beaches and harbors maintenance team as well as a few porta-potties onsite for use. The beaches themselves are clean and do not have a lot of trash, debris or tar like some of the beaches that I've been to up North on the Ventura County Side (Oxnard & Ventura beaches). And the best part, some of the best sunsets you can catch on this part of the coastline. Besides the actual beach, you can actually hike from the beach side itself up the Point Dume hiking trail to get an even better view or jump off the cliff if you dare. But.... Please, Please, Just make sure you are a solid swimmer if you are a real swimmer thrill seeker as the water near the cliff is rocky and the currents are very unforgiving. There are always calls for service where Lifeguards, Firefighters and the Sheriff's department are on scene performing rescues, but unfortunately, sometimes are unsuccessful and people have tragically drowned. So maybe leave the Olympic style diving into the Big Blue to the pros. And now that you probably have actual PTSD from me telling you how you could actually die if you aren't careful.... Maybe just shake it off and get some PDSB instead and enjoy the Best of Malibu from the safety of your seat right on the sand! "Life's a Beach, Enjoy it!"

Walking on the sunny Beach. No need to make chatter. If you…read moredon't start conversations you are pretty much left alone to enjoy the views.

A beautiful stretch of beach that's always a must. Along the famous highway 1, it's a nice big…read morebeach thats for perfect day outing. Parking wise, there's street parking along PCH, paid parking lot on PCH, street along the beach as well as another paid lot on the beach. Depending on the time, parking is a bitch as it's always full. It's a pretty wide stretch of beach so there's plenty of spaces for laying out and so on. One side has all the volleyball court. We arrived around 11:30 and luckily found street parking along the beach. It was nice out, sunny and a good amount of people along close to the water. We found a spot and made ourself comfortable. There was a good half dozen or so school buses parked where the volleyball courts are. Either a summer camp or school is back in session and it was a beach day. The odd thing, after an hour we arrived, the clouds started to roll in. Within minutes, it went from sunshine to overcast and gloomy. Stayed like that for a good hour and half. Even looking out to the hillside, it was so gloomy that you couldn't see down the beach. When the clouds burned off, it was back to beautiful beach weather. Lifeguard towers were in full force. We did notice that security on four wheelers were patrolling. They did questioned some people. It's a beautiful stretch of beach if you haven't been. The water was beautiful and looked clean but the waves were on a different level. They were pretty massive so lifeguards were on full force. People did go in the water but not a lot. To make it more magical, there were schools of dolphins swimming close by the shore. Even more fun, you could see them basically surfing the waves. That brought everyone on their feet trying to get the perfect picture. There's a good amount of restrooms and showers. It was actually clean which is a major plus. There's also a little lagoon that's a hangout for all the seagulls and pelican. Sand was soft and hot. Beach was clean, water was clean so it's was a good experience. It's a must if you haven't been.

Zuma has always been my tried and true. It's easy to get to, there's loads of parking, and the…read morebathrooms are pretty decent for public beach restrooms. Waves are great, lifeguards are present and plenty of beach space to picnic. There's really no bad time of year to come, though in the summer months it definitely gets more crowded. I wish there were more trash cans present on the beach part as well as some sort of food options available. I know there used to be some small food stands, but they have since closed. Love coming here with the family for a beach picnic. Love that the bathrooms have showers to rinse off after a day of playing in the sand.

We were recommended by a local to check the beach out and so glad that we listened to her. Yes, as…read moremost mentioned the parking lot is tight but if you wait long enough (5-15 mins) you will get a spot. Be prepared to descend lots of stairs to get to the beach (wear safe/comfy) shoes. There are incredibly beautiful, arch rocks, and small caves, running up the north side of the beach As beautiful it is as it is, watch out for some of the big waves that come in as you may step on some of the rocks. This is a popular beach for photo shoots and likely you will be amused by some of the "models" posing in various costumes.

So be warned that parking is limited and also expensive, even if you want a quick little stop. We…read morewent super early on a week day so there was no one else there. Also the porta potty had no toilet paper. So not sure what the parking fees are upkeeping. Anyway, the beach itself is really pretty. The walk down is a little touch with stand on a steep slope so you have to be careful. But it's worth it for the views. It's a very romantic spot.

Beautiful but parts of the beach are covered in tar…read more The beach is rather small and doesn't get as many people as other nearby beaches. It borders a naval base. I went for a run along the beach. When I came back my feet were covered in tar. It took me a long time to get it off as soap doesn't work well. If you got tar on yourself, cooking oil works well to remove it. I was having a nice time until my feet got covered in tar. I'm not sure if it's the road construction nearby or the naval base that caused the tar problem. I probably wouldn't return. The beach charges $3/hour or $8/day to park at the beach. I recommend picking a different beach. Although there are some hikes nearby here that have awesome views.

Really pretty beach with easy free parking next to the highway. Great pit stop outside of Malibu.read more

I really like this place. The food is mediocre but the view makes it all worth it. It just feels…read morelike you're away from it all when you come here.

this beach is a lovely, beautiful, and perfect escape from your typical, crowded family beach. we…read morefound the parking to be the only ugly part about it, as it was a whopping $45 to park in the lot next to the restaurant. there is a sign that has $20 enlarged but at a closer look, it says validation only and at that point we were already ready to go. nonetheless, we got some great pictures and an intimate walk on the beach with basically no one else along the shore.

On my cross country I was looking for a beach I could bring my GSD Judge. After asking around, I…read morewas told staircases beach was the best option. I was not disappointed. Walking down to the water from the lot was kinda sketchy due to the narrow switchback path, but definitely worth it. Once Judge touched the water, he became my first dog to go in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Some local surfers even offered to take pics of Judge and myself. I highly recommend this beach

What a view!!! Watch the parking on PCH as the signs will…read morelet you know even if people are parked there already. Best views in the city.

You'll be doing a little hike to get to the beach, and it's a very well kept one, although the…read morerestrooms are porta potties. There's lots of rocks, but several areas with rock free sand.

This is a small beach right next to billionaires row and is directly across the street Malibu…read moreCountry Mart. There is ample parking at the Country Mart area. There is a small lagoon and a walk way that leads to the beach. When I went there wasn't a lot of people there and pretty easy to get a spot to park up. The beach is a bit rocky in parts of it but I saw quite a few surfers. If you're looking for a nice small peaceful and non crowded beach this is a great spot

Great secluded beach that connects to Point Dume. It's a bit rocky in area but wonderful sand…read moretowards the center of the beach. Only 8 parking spots.

This beach was sooo beautiful and amazing! I did not know it existed. Me and my girlfriend hiked…read morefrom point dume and we decided to check it out and it was such a beautiful and remote beach, perfect place to escape and just chill out. One thing that was pretty disturbing was that we stumbled across at least 10 dead seals and lots of dead birds as well which was pretty disturbing and they smelled awful but other than that it was an amazing beach to go to!

One of the best beaches I've ever been to. So peaceful, beautiful, and private. I could lay out…read morehere every day if I had the choice.

When I think of Malibu, I think of surfing and of course filthy rich people. I got to see both…read morehere. The homes that line this stretch of beach are nothing short of spectacular. You know big money is right in your face. The waves were spectacular and this was my first time seeing people surf waves like that in real life.

I bike ride by this beach at least once a week. I find it to be easily accessible and the bike path…read moregoes right through the beach area and goes north to the end of the bike path at Will, Rogers Beach. This is an iconic beach because Will, Rogers was with the largest land holder in the area. Don't forget to go up to Will, Rogers State Park up on Sunset Boulevard. Now that the fire is over and they've reopened it's a iconic place to visit.

1 star "$15 for a Post-Fire Parking Lot"…read morePaid $15 to park in a cracked, deteriorating asphalt lot with dead vegetation, zero shade trees, and constant security patrols and low-flying helicopters overhead. This is not a park -- it's a parking lot next to a beach. And thanks to wildfire damage, Lot 5 is currently closed due to wildfire recovery efforts -- yet they're still charging full price for what remains. The ocean is beautiful but you literally have to turn around to see it since all parking faces AWAY from the water. Save your $15. Park on a side street and walk. Also, it was dumpy before the fire. They already have ai data centers here. There are no trees. Nothing to save. Make more here and protect us from California.