Point Vicente Lighthouse was built in 1926, following years of complaints from shipping about the dangerous waters around the Palos Verdes peninsula.

When it was active, the 1.1 million candlepower-beam had a nominal (clear weather) visible range of 24 nautical miles (44 km; 28 mi).

[6] The lighthouse was manned until 1971 when it was automated by a remote electronic aids-to-navigation monitoring system, and the radio station was closed in 1980.

The Point Vicente Lighthouse and grounds are federal property owned and operated by the United States Coast Guard.

The US Coast Guards Aids to Navigation Team Los Angeles/Long Beach (CG ANT LA/LB) is in charge of operation and maintenance of the lighthouse.

In addition to the lighthouse, the property includes a museum and three houses, former Coast Guard personnel residences.

After World War II, a legend arose of a woman in a white gown seen pacing in the tower where the lens was located.