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The History of Point Dume

March 12, 2023
by Surf City Tours

Point Dume is a stunning headland that extends into the Pacific Ocean, located in Malibu, California. This beautiful coastline has a fascinating history, from its early origins as a sacred site for the Chumash Native Americans to its transformation into one of the most sought-after real estate locations in the world. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the history of Point Dume, including information about the celebrities who live nearby, the surrounding area of Malibu, and the surfing history that has helped to make this area famous.

The History of Point Dume

The area that is now Point Dume was once a sacred site for the Chumash Native Americans. The Chumash would come to this spot to perform ceremonies and to hunt for food. The name “Dume” comes from the Chumash word “dumu,” which means “drum.” The Chumash used to make their drums from the hollowed-out trunks of redwood trees that had washed up on the beach.

In the 1800s, the area was used for ranching and farming. In the 1920s, the land was purchased by the Malibu Land Company, which began to develop the area into a residential community. The first homes were built on Point Dume in the 1930s, and by the 1950s the area had become a popular destination for Hollywood celebrities.

Celebrities Who Live Nearby

Point Dume has been home to many famous residents over the years. Some of the celebrities who currently live in the area include Robert Downey Jr., Chris Martin, Julia Roberts, and Matthew McConaughey. Other famous residents over the years have included Bob Dylan, Cher, and Neil Diamond.

One of the most famous homes in the area is the mansion known as the “Malibu Castle.” This sprawling estate was built in the 1980s and features stunning ocean views, a tennis court, a swimming pool, and a guesthouse. The home has been owned by several famous residents over the years, including Mel Gibson, Britney Spears, and most recently, Lady Gaga.

 

The Surrounding Area of Malibu

Point Dume is located in Malibu, California, which is known for its stunning beaches, beautiful homes, and celebrity residents. The area has a rich cultural history and is home to several museums and art galleries, including the Adamson House and the Getty Villa.

Malibu is also known for its shopping and dining options. The Malibu Country Mart is a popular shopping destination, featuring high-end boutiques and restaurants. Nobu Malibu is another popular spot, offering Japanese cuisine and stunning ocean views. There have been countless celebrity sightings at Nobu, you’ll often see Paparazzi clamoring over the latest arrival in the parking lot out in front when cruising by on our Malibu Tour

Surfing History

Point Dume is also known for its surfing history. The area is home to some of the best surfing spots in Southern California, including Little Dume, Zuma Beach, and Point Dume State Beach. These beaches offer great waves and stunning ocean views, making them popular destinations for surfers and beachgoers alike.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Point Dume was a particularly popular spot for surfers. The area was home to several surfing legends, including Mickey Dora, Lance Carson, and Mike Doyle. These surfers helped to popularize the sport in Southern California and helped to make Point Dume a surfing mecca. It’s no accident that we’ve chosen to hit Point Dume as the primary surf stop on our Malibu Surf Tour – the area has an extremely rich history and some of the best surf on the coast.

Movies Filmed at Point Dume

Point Dume, located in Malibu, California, has long been a favorite location for filmmakers to capture its stunning natural beauty on the silver screen. This iconic beach has been the setting for numerous films over the years, from romantic comedies to action-packed thrillers.

One of the most famous films shot at Point Dume is the classic 1963 movie “Beach Party.” This iconic film starring Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello was one of the first of its kind to capture the essence of Southern California’s beach culture. The two stars perform a dance number on the sand while surrounded by dozens of young surfers. The natural beauty of the location perfectly captured the laid-back vibe of 1960s beach culture, making it an instant classic.

Another classic movie filmed at Point Dume is the 1967 comedy “The Graduate.” This film, starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft, tells the story of a recent college graduate who has an affair with an older woman. One of the most memorable scenes in the movie was filmed at Point Dume, where Hoffman’s character, Benjamin, has a heated argument with Bancroft’s character, Mrs. Robinson, on a secluded beach. The rocky cliffs and crashing waves of Point Dume provide a dramatic backdrop for the scene, adding to the tension between the two characters.

In the 1990s, Point Dume was the location for several popular action movies. One of the most famous of these was the 1991 movie “Point Break,” which starred Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze. The movie tells the story of an FBI agent who goes undercover to investigate a gang of surfers who may be responsible for a series of bank robberies. Reeves and Swayze engage in a thrilling chase through the rocky cliffs and pounding waves of Point Dume.

Another popular action movie filmed at Point Dume was the 1997 film “The Lost World: Jurassic Park.” This movie, directed by Steven Spielberg, is a sequel to the 1993 blockbuster “Jurassic Park.” In the movie, Jeff Goldblum and Julianne Moore are pursued by a pack of velociraptors through the rocky cliffs and caves of the headland. The stunning natural beauty of the location perfectly captured the sense of awe and danger that is at the heart of the “Jurassic Park” franchise.

More recently, the 2005 movie “The Wedding Crashers,” starring Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn was filmed partly at Point Dume. The movie tells the story of two friends who crash weddings to pick up women. One of the most memorable scenes in the movie was filmed at Point Dume, where Wilson’s character confesses his love to a woman he has met at a wedding.

Interested in learning more about the celebrity lifestyle of Malibu? Consider joining us on our Perfect Malibu Tour, covering the history of the area as well as celebrity homes and happenings throughout the exclusive city of Malibu.

Point Dume is a fascinating location with a rich history. From its early days as a sacred site for the Chumash Native Americans to its current status as one of the most sought-after real estate locations in the world, Point Dume has always been a special place. With its stunning ocean views, celebrity residents, and world-class surfing spots, it’s easy to see why Point Dume continues to be a popular destination for visitors from around