Explore a Popular California Film Location: Point Dume and Zuma Beach

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Zuma Beach in Malibu, California

 

What to do at Point Dume and Zuma Beach



Apart from recreating scenes in famous TV shows and movies, there are lots of activities to keep you occupied during a day spent at Point Dume and Zuma Beach. As Malibu is home to many celebrities, keep your eyes peeled for a star sighting when you’re here. Like many Californian beaches, Dume and Zuma are surfing hotspots with shower facilities and toilets that you can use.

Point Dume has a trail where you can hike to the viewpoint to see the beaches on either side or even spot a sea lion in the offshore Point Dume State Marine Conservation Area and Point Dume State Marine Reserve where they live. From December to March, you may even spot whales passing by on their migration. The rocky cliffs of Point Dume are a haven for rock climbers, and some parts are even suitable for beginners. There is much more coastline to explore in Malibu and beyond, so it is worth doing a road trip if you want to follow in even more famous footsteps.

Other famous beaches in Los Angeles

Sunset at Leo Carillo Beach in California

If you’ve been to Point Dume, then don’t stop there as there are many other famous filming location beaches to see if you hop on the Pacific Coast Highway. Just a few minutes up the coast is El Matador State Beach where the famous scene between Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams where he says, “If you’re a bird, I’m a bird,” took place. Keanu Reeves bought a surfboard from Manhattan Beach Pier in Point Break but as the movie is about catching waves, many California beachside locations in this flick may be familiar to fellow surfers.



Santa Monica Beach also has a famous pier, which has been featured in “The Net” with Sandra Bullock, Oscar-winners “The Sting” and “Forrest Gump,” as well as an episode of “Modern Family.” You may get chills at Leo Carillo Beach because some of the scenes between Sandy and Danny from Grease were filmed here. It has also been committed to film in the smash-hit “The Usual Suspects” as well as “Cast Away” and “The Karate Kid.” Wrap up your trip here with a slow-motion run at Venice Beach, à la Baywatch, as the often-imitated opening sequence to the original show was shot here. If filming locations are your thing, then join an LA bus tour to see even more iconic places from your favorite shows and movies on your trip.

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.