Westward Beach is the wide, sandy expanse just west of the Point Dume headland, connected to the Point Dume preserve and often less crowded than nearby Zuma. Its generous sand and paid parking lot make it good for swimming, sunbathing, and walking toward the base of the Dume cliffs. The south end near the point, known to surfers as "Drainpipes," is one of Southern California's heaviest beachbreaks, hollow over shallow sandbars with a serious injury history and strong rips; it is strictly an experts-only wave, while the rest of the beach suits everyone.