Westward Beach
Wide golden sands meet Point Dume's wild Pacific edge
About
Westward Beach stretches along the Malibu coastline in California, a wide sweep of golden sand backed by the dramatic cliffs of Point Dume. The blue Pacific rolls in with real force here — this is open-ocean California, not a sheltered cove. The vibe is relaxed and unhurried, with the beach earning a reputation for staying relatively uncrowded even by Malibu standards. Families spread out on the broad shoreline while the cliffs above offer a natural backdrop that shifts colour through the day. It sits at the end of Westward Beach Road, making it feel just removed enough from the Pacific Coast Highway buzz.
How to get there
Drive south on Pacific Coast Highway and turn onto Westward Beach Road — the beach sits at the road's end. Parking is available in a large paid lot at the end of Westward Beach Road; expect to pay $15. The lot fills quickly on weekends and holidays, so arrive early. Limited street parking is also available along the road if the main lot is full.
Who it's for
For couples
The wide, relatively uncrowded beach and the dramatic Point Dume backdrop make this a strong choice for couples who want space and scenery without fighting for a patch of sand.
For families
The broad golden shoreline gives families plenty of room to spread out, but keep children well back from the water — powerful surf and riptides make unsupervised swimming genuinely dangerous here.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Westward Beach is genuinely wide and genuinely beautiful — golden sand, blue ocean, and the Point Dume cliffs doing all the heavy lifting scenically. But lead with this: the surf is powerful and riptides are active, and the water demands respect, not a casual dip. Come here to walk, to photograph, to sit on a broad beach that doesn't feel packed even on a warm California day. The $15 parking lot is the main friction point — arrive early or you'll be circling. Spruzzo nearby handles the post-beach hunger without a long drive. For the right visitor — one who reads the ocean before entering it — this is one of Malibu's most rewarding stretches of coast.
What to do
The beach sits at the base of Point Dume, and the trail up to the headland rewards you with sweeping views over the Malibu coastline — one of the better viewpoints in the area, roughly 6.5 km away. Film buffs will appreciate that the Jim Rockford Trailer Site from the classic TV series is just 2.8 km away, a low-key detour worth the short drive. The TRW Overlook, about 7 km out, adds another scenic stop if you're exploring the wider area by car.
The stretch of golden sand with Point Dume's cliffs rising behind it is the signature frame — shoot wide at golden hour for the best light on the rock face.
The clifftop viewpoint 6.5 km away gives an aerial-style composition over the full bay and blue Pacific that photographs well in mid-morning light.
Where to eat
Spruzzo is the closest option at just 0.7 km — a convenient stop before or after the beach. Further afield, Clark's Oyster Bar (12.3 km) is a solid seafood choice, and Malibu Farm Restaurant (13.2 km) rounds out the local dining scene for a longer sit-down meal.
Where to stay
Malibu Beach Inn is the one listed accommodation option in the area, sitting 13.4 km from the beach. It's the natural base if you want to stay close to the Malibu coastline without commuting far.
Photography
The golden sand against the blue Pacific and the Point Dume cliffs makes for a strong wide-angle shot — shoot in the early morning when the light is low and the beach is at its quietest. The clifftop viewpoint at Point Dume, 6.5 km away, gives an elevated perspective over the full sweep of the bay.
Good to know
Westward Beach carries real hazards: powerful surf and riptides are present and must be taken seriously. Do NOT enter the water without checking conditions — riptides can pull even strong swimmers offshore without warning. If you feel a current pulling you sideways or out to sea, do not fight it; swim parallel to shore and signal for help. The parking lot fills fast on summer weekends, so plan to arrive before 9 a.m. to secure a spot.
Map
Nearby places
Spruzzo
Clark's Oyster Bar
Johns Garden
Marmalade
Malibu Farm Restaurant
Malibu Beach Inn
Jim Rockford Trailer Site
Beautiful viewpoint to Malibu area
TRW Overlook
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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