About Us
Restoring a Peninsula Landmark for Its Next 100 Years
The iconic Point Vicente Lighthouse has stood on the Palos Verdes Peninsula as a beacon to countless mariners since 1926, and it now urgently needs restoration to prevent further deterioration and preserve its legacy for future generations. While still serving as an aid to navigation on an active United States Coast Guard base, the Coast Guard has closed the lighthouse to public access due to the presence of lead and asbestos in the tower.
Our Mission
Friends of the Point Vicente Lighthouse (Friends) was formed in 2024 and gained non-profit status in 2025 to restore and preserve the Point Vicente Lighthouse for the next 100 years, as it celebrates its centennial in April 2026. Friends is coordinating with the United States Coast Guard to acquire licensing to undertake the restoration.
Due to limited Coast Guard budget and its critical priorities to protect safety and security interests in coastal waters of the United States, it will be up to the local community and businesses to provide the funding to undertake restoration and historical preservation of the lighthouse and its support structures, which were built in the beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival style.
The Urgency
Most urgently, the cupola — the domed structure that houses the light — is suffering from advanced corrosion. The iron is heavily rusted, and there is growing concern that it may soon rust through entirely. Without immediate intervention, this critical feature of the lighthouse could be lost, further complicating future restoration efforts and significantly increasing costs.
As of spring 2026, Friends is preparing to launch the capital campaign to fund essential restoration and preservation work. Although Friends has not yet completed a formal condition assessment (pending Coast Guard issuance of a licensing agreement), the estimate for restoration of the lighthouse tower is $2–$5 million, and subsequent phases will cost an additional $3–$5 million, for a total fundraising goal of $5–$10 million. This estimate includes an endowment to ensure critical maintenance is funded on an ongoing basis, so future generations will be able to access and enjoy the lighthouse.
Project Plan
Once licensing is obtained, the project plan — subject to change based on the condition assessment and Coast Guard requirements — is as follows:
Phase 1: Lighthouse Tower — Replace or repair the cupola, remediate lead and asbestos, and perform any other work needed to safely open the tower for public access. Phase 1 is Friends' primary focus.
Phase 2: Support Buildings — Repair or replace the roofs of the office, display center, and garage.
Phase 3: Lighthouse Keeper Residences — Remediate asbestos and perform other work needed so the residences can be safe for public access.
Phase 4: Grounds — Repair and beautification of the grounds.
Join Us
Thank you for your consideration of supporting Friends of the Point Vicente Lighthouse to help restore a vital and beloved part of our Palos Verdes/South Bay community.
— Amy Forte, President
Friends of the Point Vicente Lighthouse
