Point San Luis Lighthouse near Avila Beach and Port San Luis became an increasingly urgent need as coastal shipping grew, especially after the Queen of the Pacific nearly foundered in darkness near Port Harford in 1888. Though federal interest began in 1867 and legislation was introduced in 1877, funding was delayed until 1886. Completed in June 1890 and first lit on June 30, it became one of the last Prairie Victorian model lighthouses on the West Coast, with a fog whistle added in 1891. Decommissioned in 1974, it was later preserved for public use, restored, and remains an active historic site with tours and events.