The original plan for the lighthouse was a wooden, square, two-story building like those constructed for Oakland Harbor and Southampton Shoals.

Vertical black stripes were added for increased visibility.

[6] By 2011, the years of exposure have led to rusted through walls, broken windows, cracked masonry, and leaks during storms.

In cooperation with the Coast Guard, the Cabrillo Beach Boosters Club completed a $1.8 million overhaul of the exterior, funded by the Port of Los Angeles.

[6] This lighthouse is inaccessible to the public, but can be viewed from the Cabrillo Beach area, San Pedro Breakwater or by boat.