Powerful surf damages Westward Beach Road, forces indefinite closure at Point Dume

By Barbara Burke · Wed Aug 05 2026

High tides and erosion damage roadway and water lines, closing parking and restrooms while beach access, lifeguard coverage and Sunset Restaurant remain available

High tides, large ocean swells and powerful surf battered Malibu’s coastline over the weekend, causing significant erosion near Point Dume and prompting the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors to indefinitely close a portion of Westward Beach Road and the Point Dume Beach parking lot.

The closure, which took effect Aug. 1, affects Westward Beach Road, also known as Point Dume Access Road, beyond the pay gate near Birdview Avenue, as well as the approximately 260-space Point Dume Beach parking lot and nearby restroom facilities.

County officials said powerful waves and elevated tides caused a partial collapse of the roadbed and damaged water infrastructure beneath the roadway, creating unsafe conditions for vehicles and pedestrians. The erosion has also destabilized portions of the bluff edge, where officials said drop-offs are approaching eight feet in some locations.

There is currently no estimated reopening date.

The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors and Los Angeles County Public Works are assessing the extent of the damage and determining what repairs will be necessary before the roadway and parking area can safely reopen.

“Westward Beach is not closed. Rather, the closure only affects the road on the south side of the entry gate, the Point Dume Beach parking lot and the bathrooms,” City of Malibu Public Information Officer Matt Myerhoff said. “The beach is accessible by walking on the sand.”

Officials are urging visitors to take posted closures seriously and not cross safety cones, caution tape or other barriers surrounding the damaged areas. The unstable bluff edge is of particular concern because continued erosion could cause additional portions of the ground to give way.

The erosion has also affected facilities at Point Dume Beach. Restrooms 1, 2 and 3 remain closed after damage to the water line and water meter serving the facilities. Temporary chemical toilets and hand-washing stations have been placed nearby for beachgoers.

Department of Beaches and Harbors Deputy Director Warren Ontiveros said the county is working with coastal engineers and other specialists to determine how to address the damage.

“The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors is working with coastal engineers and other experts to develop a plan for addressing the damage to the roadway as quickly as possible,” Ontiveros said.

“At the same time, the Department is working to secure a contractor, funding, emergency permitting, and permission from private property owners to access work areas and carry out repairs.”

The private property issue involves a small portion of the access road just beyond the entry gate that belongs to residents on the bluff above the damaged area, according to county assessor records.

Although vehicle access and parking at Point Dume Beach have been significantly affected, Los Angeles County lifeguards will continue monitoring the area.

“Our ocean lifeguard specialist who is stationed at Point Dume year-round will continue to lifeguard the beach,” said Kealinohopono “Pono” Barnes, captain of Lifeguard Services Battalion 600, which serves the area.

Barnes said seasonal lifeguard staffing will initially be shifted toward the main Zuma Beach area because officials anticipate more visitors will use that portion of the coastline while Point Dume parking remains unavailable.

“We will shift our seasonal lifeguard staff into the main Zuma area because we anticipate the public will go to that area in larger numbers during the closure,” Barnes said. “However, if we continue to have people hike into Point Dume, we will move our seasonal lifeguards back to the Westward Beach area as needed.”

Barnes noted that many beachgoers already access the area by hiking in from the Big Dume turnaround or by being dropped off for the day. Lifeguards will continue evaluating visitor patterns throughout the closure and adjust staffing accordingly.

The Baywatch Malibu rescue boat will also remain in the water and continue patrolling the coastline, including the waters surrounding Point Dume.

The road closure does not affect operations at the Sunset 

Restaurant. Manager Franco Simplicito confirmed that the popular beachfront restaurant remains open and customers can continue using the restaurant’s parking lot.

The latest damage follows a period of hazardous conditions along Malibu’s coastline, where high tides, strong surf and large ocean swells have contributed to erosion and other shoreline hazards.

While portions of Point Dume and Westward Beach remain accessible, officials are advising visitors to exercise additional caution around cliffs, bluffs and areas showing signs of erosion. Beachgoers should obey all posted signs, barriers and closure notices and stay away from unstable bluff edges.

County officials will continue evaluating the roadway, water infrastructure and surrounding coastline while developing a repair plan. Because the county must coordinate engineering work, contractors, funding, emergency permits and access to privately owned areas, officials said it is too early to determine how long the closure may last.

There is currently no timeline for reopening Westward Beach Road, the Point Dume Beach parking lot or the affected restroom facilities.

The Malibu Times will continue to monitor the closure and provide updates as Los Angeles County completes its assessment and repair efforts begin.