March 1, 1875, a 12 inch steam whistle began operation on the point. It was the third fog-signal installed on the California coast. The first two were located at Año Nuevo and Yerba Buena Island. This station would keep all of her keepers busy as the fog often lasted for 40 days or more.
Twenty-five years later, November 26, 1900, the first light was installed. The original light was a red lens-lantern hung on a post. It stood approximately 300 feet from the whistle tower. 1902, saw the old fog signal torn down and a new one built. In 1912, a fourth order fresnel lens was installed on a wooden skeleton tower. By 1928, the current cast iron 30 foot tower was built to house the lens. It can be seen 14 miles out to sea.
During World War II, the station housed military units including the K-9 Corps. Men and dogs would patrol the beaches below. A mobile artillery unit was also housed here.
The station was automated in 1970. An off shore horn buoy replaced the fog horn. A smaller modern lens replaced the old 4th order fresnel. The old lens can be seen at the San Mateo Count Historical Society Museum.
The lighthouse now serves as a Youth Hostel.
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