The Southernmost Point Buoy is an anchored concrete buoy in Key West, Florida, marking the southernmost point in the continental United States, the lowest latitude land of contiguous North American states. It is 18 feet above sea level. The large painted buoy was established as a tourist attraction in 1983 by the city at the corner of South Street and Whitehead Street. It is one of the most visited and photographed attractions in the United States.
The southernmost point was originally marked with a small sign, before the City of Key West erected the now famous concrete buoy in 1983. The concrete buoy has overall withstood several hurricanes and is a gathering place for photographs and tourists. The paint job was damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017, but it was refurbished later that year by the original artist. Cuba is roughly 90 miles south of this point in Key West, although this was not originally on the marker, but rather on a smaller sign next to marker.
Monday | Open 24 hours |
Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
Thursday | Open 24 hours |
Friday | Open 24 hours |
Saturday | Open 24 hours |
Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Dayron Crespo | Feb 26, 2018
Southernmost Point, Whitehead St & South St, Key West, FL 33040. This weekend my wife, her family and I were at Key West and this place was the most entertain. We loved the atmosphere of this place. I recommend it. You can take pictures and swim at the beach, the bar around there has a very good variety of beer and snack, you can spend a good day there.
Maria Depergola | Jan 22, 2018
If you go all the way to Key West this is definitely a must stop. The Southernmost point It's such an iconic spot. There was a little line but you can wait or just take a photo just off to the side. We had fantastic weather on New Years Day. What a great way to start the New Year! Enjoy!
Dylan Bowerman | Jan 20, 2018
There was a long wait, but the photo spot is just perfect for the tourist that wants to stop there! There are many people there, and many were willing to take a picture of my family for us. Just as a tip: for the maximum effect, try to make sure none of your family members stand in front of the words on the structure itself when you’re taking the picture. If you do accidentally do so, it’s not that big of a problem. The marker is many feet tall and is painted all the way around it, so it’ll be distinguishable regardless of where you stand.
Shrinivas Kolpuke | Mar 4, 2018
Probably one of the most over-hyped location. Technically, its not even the Southernmost point. If you want to wait in line to take a photo in front of a thick colored pole, you are more than welcome to waste your time. Sunset: This location is cordoned off by fence on one side where you can see Sunset through what almost feels like Jail cell bars. There are far better places to visit on this island.
Jerome Espinosa Baladad | Feb 27, 2018
This is an interesting concrete spot to come by and wait for your turn to have your picture taken next to it. When we showed up, there was a long line of visitors patiently waiting for their turn. In the meantime, I was surprised to get reminded that the point is really at least 90 miles from Cuba. Wow, I wish they have trips by boat from that marker to Cuban island itself. I am sure, I will avail of a ride on it.
Scott Bowen | Mar 21, 2018
It was a little underwhelming. It's cool to visit the "southernmost" point in the US, although to me the Navy Base looks a little further south. But on the day I visited, there was a line waiting just to take a photo of yourself at the buoy. But I guess it's cool to say that you were there. Def worth seeing if you drove this far out to Key West.
S A | Mar 23, 2018
Drive was nice and scenic... expect a long and slow drive as speed limits are low. We hired a convertible so was a lovely drive. Lands end so to speak... the southernmost point was an anti climax for me... not much to see or do other than some interesting architecture and usual touristy shops and bars... gonna need almost a full day from South beach so be warned
Krystal Gonzalez | Mar 14, 2018
It's truly an incredible thing to see. If you haven't taken a picture here, you haven't been to Key West. I always manage to stop here no matter how many times I've stopped before. It a beautiful memory from a beautiful place. Enjoy!
Larry D | Mar 20, 2018
If you want pics beside 'the' cone, be prepared for long line ups and waits, we were there mid week at 9a.m. If you can be happy with it in the background and strangers in the frame, a decent pic can be had by sitting on the wall and snapping as people move out of the way. But a definite must for "bragging rights". As one Key West guide told us, at that point you are closer to Cuba (90 miles away) than to a Walmart (129 miles away)!
Viraj Patel | Apr 23, 2018
There may be a queue but well worth it. Everyone is so friendly and willing to have a chat whilst you wait to have a photo taken. There's a few stalls around he vicinity selling fresh coconut water and flavoured ice cones. There is a great bar round the corner along with a mini beach you can chill out in after. At the time of posting the parking is 3 dollars an hour.
AnnGee | Apr 16, 2018
Southern most point in the US! It sounds amazing and is a “must see” for anyone on vacation. I’m giving it 5 stars based on the fact that it’s an American Icon and makes for profile worthy pics for social media. That being said...let’s be clear, it’s a marker. A big, painted marker. Be prepared to wait in line to get a good pic. And please be prepared, know who’s going to be in our pic, where your going to stand, sunglasses or not, who’s going to take it and act like an adult and stand and pose. Parking is challenging but I love walking this entire area. It’s so beautiful and quant.
S Roman | May 2, 2018
This was l cool however the wait for photo and lines are long. It would be nice to have some type of structure with guide. All the tourists were great, because we took the photos of person in front of you. It was even nice to see the kindness of strangers letting the elderly and disabled go ahead to photograph.
Marco Abuaitah | Apr 20, 2018
This is one of the best places to visit on earth. There is a large area nearby to swim in the ocean, and it's one of the best I've been to. The experience is incredible. Weather is almost always great and sunny, sometimes maybe too sunny. Hotels nearby are around $400/night for a decent room. Restaurants are also expensive, a small water bottle is about $4 - 6, and a one-person meal with a drink may come up to around $30.
Krystal Gonzalez | May 1, 2018
It's truly an incredible thing to see. If you haven't taken a picture here, you haven't been to Key West. I always manage to stop here no matter how many times I've stopped before. It's a beautiful memory from a beautiful place. Enjoy!
Char B | Jun 5, 2018
Key West is one of my favorite places to visit. Great food, lots to do and I love just walking the streets looking at the houses. A must for your first visit is the Couch Train. It gives you a nutshell view of the city. Southernmost Point is a great place to take a pic. Lines are long but move fast.
S Roman | Jun 3, 2018
This was cool however the wait for photo and lines are long. It would be nice to have some type of structure with guide. All the tourists were great, because we took the photos of person in front of you. It was even nice to see the kindness of strangers letting the elderly and disabled go ahead to photograph.
Tania Almeida | Jun 8, 2018
It's a three-star attraction but I'd go again anyway. The nice thing about this place is not the totem itself, but what it represents in the history of Cuba, the United States and Key West. It is located 90 miles away from Cuba and 135 miles from Miami, and here you can see a plate in honour of thousands of Cubans who lost their lives trying to cross the sea and find a free land. Read a bit about the history before you go and I'm sure you will enjoy it in a different way.
Carol Thompson | May 28, 2018
We loved the Southern Most Resort. It rained almost the entire time but there is so much stuff to do and see. The hotel has beautiful landscaping, the room was spectacular and the staff was most helpful. Will definitely come back for another visit!
Ana Acapulco | Jul 3, 2018
More than just a photo op... We drove down early Sunday morning. The line for the pictures was about 15 minutes. But there are plenty to do down here. The beach was awesome. We spent most of the day at the beach; have lots of shades. Kids actually liked it better than Cocoa and Miami beaches. Nice little town with excellent seafood restaurants along the way.
Layne Doyle | Jul 6, 2018
Always a token stop along the way or when Key West is the destination. There has been a line to take pictures with the sign every time I’ve passed in the last two years at least. It really is notable and a great token to take home. Irma damaged it but they were quick to bring it back to life- a smart move in the recovery period. Again, a good place to bring friends and family who are new to the area. It truly is a gorgeous view and a great photo op.
kasun costa | Jun 22, 2018
its so beautiful and so pleased to visit this place , because it has good surrounding and easy to park we really enjoyed our visit .there are very good beaches near by and there also easy for parking and free parking on many places. on Sundays this place to can have free parking till 12 noon , as per my recall of my journey. its really good for every age, young adult even kids will enjoy. and there was refreshment stores also near by so if you are a fan of coconut , it is right places to taste coconut drink in natural way. because in market place you will find caned one , but here they sold real natural coconut.
highbuilder | Jun 29, 2018
Cool place to visit, I really enjoyed it. There's the southernmost point, and the mile 0 sign at fort Zachary. Including one more fort Zachary sign with the arrows pointing saying how far it is to other places around the world. Just wanted to throw that in there, cause we couldn't find it. Although they say this is the most southern place in the US, I got to looking and it isn't. Sorry Key West but the truth is out there now. The real most southern place is a Fort Zachary, down the beach towards the bouy. There will be a line, to take pictures with it but it went fast for us. Real friendly people of Key West, the island is beautiful, enjoyed our stay here.
Jonah Hinojosa | Jun 21, 2018
It's the southernmost point in the United States. The bonus is that there is a sculpture next to it that is definitely worth having your picture taken next to. Be aware, however, that the attraction likens to Disney World: We had to wait in a 20 minute line just to get our picture. But, it was a fun novelty. Pro tip: Park in one of the street parking spaces near it if you don't want to walk far or pay exorbitant prices for parking. We walked 2 blocks and only paid $1 for 20 minutes of parking.
Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.
Cheap travel packages from Washington, D.C.
Cheap travel packages from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)
Cheap travel packages from Andrews Air Force Base (ADW)
Cheap travel packages from Baltimore/Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshal (BWI)
Cheap travel packages from Richmond Intl. (RIC)
Cheap travel packages from Philadelphia Intl. (PHL)
Cheap travel packages from Newport News Williamsburg Intl. (PHF)
Cheap travel packages from Norfolk Intl. (ORF)
Cheap travel packages from Roanoke Regional Woodrum Field (ROA)
Get compensated for late flights
The Ultimate Long Haul Flight Guide
Winter Wonderland: Top Destinations for Winter 2018
The Ultimate Travel Checklist!
What is it about Inspirational Travel Quotes?
Top Destinations for a Romantic Getaway