Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A. image

Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A.

Tourist attraction Historical landmark

One of the Most Revieweds in Key West


Address

1400 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040

Website

cityofkeywest-fl.gov

Contact

(305) 809-3700

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (36.9K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • 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

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: line (27) photo (22) people (18) West (17) wait (17) time (14) Southernmost (13) spot (13) picture (13) Point (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Digital H. 9 months ago on Google
    Title: A Unforgettable Journey to the End of America Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The journey to the Southernmost Point Buoy in Key West, Florida, was an experience that I had been looking forward to for a long time and certainly did not disappoint. Located at the end of the continental United States, this spot holds a unique and captivating charm. The buoy is an impressive sight, standing 12 feet tall and 7 feet wide and proudly bearing red, white, and blue patriotic colors. One side of the buoy proclaims '90 Miles to Cuba' while the other declares 'Southernmost Point, U.S.A..' The buoy provides an ideal backdrop for some unforgettable pictures and a powerful symbol of the vastness and wonder of our nation. Key West is a charming and vibrant city with a lot to offer visitors, and the southernmost point is no exception. Despite the crowd, which was substantial but not overwhelming, there was a feeling of fun and festivity in the air. This busy tourist area had an exciting buzz of activity, which only added to the unique atmosphere of the location. Although some may view it as a tourist trap and the queues for photos can sometimes be a bit long, the overall experience is more than worth the wait. It's not just about standing at the southernmost point of the continental U.S.; it's about being part of a grand, shared journey. It's about soaking up the atmosphere, enjoying the fresh sea air, and basking under the bright Florida sun. A trip to the Southernmost Point Buoy is a brief affair, with the whole experience taking no more than 20 to 30 minutes. However, the memories of standing beside this iconic landmark will stay with you for a lifetime. In conclusion, a visit to the Southernmost Point Buoy offers more than just a unique photo opportunity. It's a journey to the extremes of our great nation, an encounter with history and geography that will leave an indelible mark on your travelogue. I highly recommend the trip to the Southernmost Point Buoy when visiting Key West. It's an experience you won't soon forget!
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Saiprabhu B. 1 year ago on Google
    You don't ask any questions. Simply get in the long line, wait for your turn, take a photo and enjoy the views. It's more of a ritual to get a photo clicked here when you are at this part of the country isn't it? The people in the line are nice when it comes to clicking you a photo. Parking was a bit of an issue here. Tip - Don't forget to have fresh tender coconut water straight from the Coconut, sold by street vendors nearby. It's a common thing in India, or any tropical country to have fresh coconut water on a Hot, Sunny day. Never had this in the US outside of the Keys except the store bought ones. It was like a Homecoming feeling for us.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chanchal 2 years ago on Google
    Liked the place and scenic view. However this spot was too much crowded, we visited on New Year holiday. There was a line for photo with bouy. We took some pictures and roaming around was fun. In pandemic people were not wearing mask. We enjoyed watching the scenery. Paid parking is near by. Full of restaurants and shopping stuff.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Casey M. 2 years ago on Google
    Tourist trap that always has a line stretching around the corner to get a picture taken in front of. My daughter and I ended up just taking a selfie from the side to avoid the wait. It's a beautiful spot, so I would recommend seeing it, but don't be in a hurry. We did enjoy a snow cone there and saw some roosters and babies there, as well. Just wished it wasn't so insanely crowded.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amber S. 2 years ago on Google
    Just the idea of being here intrigued me, I enjoyed the atmosphere and seeing the marker and statues. what everyone says is true ... There is a line up to get your photo taken with the marker, surprisingly the line moves quickly and everyone is helping one another with photos and being respectful of others waiting. That being said you can go and snap a quick selfie from afar with out waiting as long as you don't mind others on your pics, a bit rude IMO but when time is of the essence 🤷‍♀️🙂🙂
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Richie P. 1 year ago on Google
    Do you have to go? No. Should you? Probably. It's neat. Is it worth waiting on a long line for a picture with the marker? You decide on the line length I guess. I opted not to and got shots as people swapped out. Watch the water behind as it can jump the wall. It's cool but not a necessity.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matt B. 1 year ago on Google
    We are in the Keys for a wedding and we're about 2 drive away and figured why not make the drive down? When is the next time we will be here and it's too unique of a place not to go and visit. Well had to park over a mile away so I recommend wearing walking shoes and not boat shoes. We also have down on veterans day and got to see several personal from the local military base lining up for a parade. If you're are close to Just West is busy in the Keys, I recommend the trip. The drive is really nice, if not slow but worth it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrea S. 9 months ago on Google
    The trip was amazing! I have no words for it to be honest, the sights omg!! Although be prepared to walk a lot (and I mean a lot) and take water with you, although you can purchase them (but for a higher price) since there are a lot of shoppes around, but seeing the ocean view at the southernmost pointe is a great experience, something that I will never forget. There is a line there so you might have to wait a while to be able to take pictures during the day, but during the night there is hardly anyone there.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 toopooforyou 2 years ago on Google
    Great spot to go and get a picture when you visit. Came here for a sailing regatta and had to stop here. Also recommend stopping at 0 miles. This is a great spot and there’s usually a short line. There are many helpful people willing to take pictures of you for you.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike Z. 7 months ago on Google
    I visited on a Saturday afternoon. I had to wait in line for about 15 minutes to get a photo opportunity. It's a neat bucket list once in a lifetime event. I took a nice family photo. I also bought a nice touristy photo frame at a gift shop up the street.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Vest Sales & Service I. 9 months ago on Google
    Long wait in the hot sun. Very little parking in the area. Lots of hype. Cool to get a photo and say you have been to this iconic spot though. I can think of better ways to spend my time on the island. We took the trolley to get there and back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Serguey Diaz A. 9 months ago on Google
    I visited Sunday noon. I don’t recommend this time because I had to wait around 30 minutes or more. The best time is early in the morning or at night. One thing I didn’t like is that was a lot of people in the back of the buoy! They didn’t do the line, instead of that they went to the back and appeared in your pictures. Please people be considered!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Harry Watters j. 5 months ago on Google
    Embarking on a Memorable Journey in Key West: The Southernmost Point Key West, Florida, is an absolute treasure trove of unique and unforgettable experiences, and one of the iconic must-see attractions on this captivating island is the Southernmost Point. Your visit to Key West simply wouldn't be complete without capturing a photo of yourself next to this historic marker. As you arrive at the Southernmost Point, you'll quickly realize that you're not the only one eager to snap a photo at this iconic spot. In fact, it's not uncommon to find a line of fellow visitors eagerly waiting for their turn to capture this momentous memory. But here's the thing – that slight wait is well worth it. After all, this isn't just any ordinary photo opportunity; it's a chance to stand at the southernmost tip of the continental United States, a remarkable feat that's sure to become a highlight of your visit. What's truly heartwarming about this place is the sense of camaraderie among tourists. It's not uncommon for fellow travelers to offer to take your family's picture, and in turn, you can pay it forward and capture their memories as well. This act of kindness and unity is a testament to the goodwill and friendly spirit that pervades Key West. So don't be shy; ask someone to help you capture this special moment, and you'll likely make a new friend in the process. Besides being a fantastic spot for photographs, the Southernmost Point also boasts a rich history. It's a symbol of Key West's unique position in the United States, as it's closer to Havana, Cuba, than to Miami, Florida. This geographical quirk is a fascinating facet of the island's identity, and the Southernmost Point marker stands as a testament to that distinction. In conclusion, visiting the Southernmost Point in Key West is a "must" on your island adventure. It's not just about taking a photo; it's about embracing the spirit of Key West and commemorating your presence at a place of historical significance. So, be prepared for a bit of a wait, but rest assured that the experience is well worth it. Plus, you might just walk away with more than a photo – you'll carry a piece of Key West's unique charm in your heart. Don't miss this iconic stop on your Key West journey; it's bound to become a cherished memory of your visit to this enchanting island.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Suelen 8 months ago on Google
    This is such a nice spot and Cuba is just 90 miles away from this place. It gets crowded very fast even on weekdays and if you want to take a photo right in front of the landmark, you need to get in line for a long time... Or just take a photo from another angle!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Ray H. 1 year ago on Google
    Key West was super hot. You should prepare yourself for the visit in the summer months. Typical tourist trap experience with everyone asking for tips even when they do nothing too go above and beyond. Nice scenic views on the drive there and our bus guide was nice. The hop on/off train was always full which meant many people couldn't get in when they were ready, quite disappointing given the money you spend for it. We had a really good hop-on bus driver, a veteran, who gave really good stories. The other driver you could hardly hear and when you did, he gave crude jokes (thumbs down).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Prasad F. 5 months ago on Google
    Good spot to take pictures but we had to stand in the line. Make sure to pay for the parking meter as well but if you can park somewhere else for free, then you can always walk or take a tour bus/shuttle. We visited on Monday afternoon and yet there were people so we had to wait. It was hot for October. You don’t need to pay for anything as Google is asking as an option.

  • 4/5 Shane T. 7 months ago on Google
    I've been here a couple of times. It's sort of obligatory although unexciting. It is sort of interesting to interact with people here though. There is a truck that sells coconuts. My first trip here I really enjoyed that but this last time I arrived just as he was packing up for the afternoon. Everything closes early in the Keys. It can be difficult to find a place to park.

  • 3/5 Andy A. 6 months ago on Google
    To be precise, it is the southernmost reachable point as a tourist. The island actually continues a bit further but that is fenced of area by the federal government. There is little parking and there might be a queue to take a picture. Need to go when weather is good, otherwise it is not very spectacular.

  • 5/5 Shihan S. 6 months ago on Google
    One of the most waited place to visit in your key west tour, one thing to note is plan your parking ahead of time as most parking are $5 per hour. To take pics you have to queued up and wait for 10-15 mts.

  • 4/5 mohamed h. 9 months ago on Google
    Well the spot is definitely a landmark. Felt like too much of focus was there on taking a picture in front of the buoy. We travelling with two kids didn't have the patience, so my wife figured out that no one was actually taking pictures behind the buoy where there is a nice place to sit and is the actual absolute end of the USA, so we took pictures there. We also took a picture behind the markings on the buoy 😂😂

  • 5/5 Alex 5 months ago on Google
    The famous "southernmost point" of the United States. Pay to park and walk to get here. The few times we have been here We had to wait in line for about 15 minutes. Both times people were polite and offered to take pictures for each other. It's a cool thing to do for memories! You can buy memorabilia for the spot at pretty much any shop in town! A few blocks over from famous Duval Street were You can walk 1.25 mi from one end of the island to the other! Tons of shops and things to do!

  • 5/5 Freddie C. 4 months ago on Google
    We arrived early morning at around 8am, there weren’t many people at that time which made it nice not to wait too long. Parking was a breeze, found parking on a side street and not expensive at all. Once we were done taking our pictures we decided to just leave our car park there and walk to duval street. When we came back to our car around noon the line to take a picture was very long at least 30 to 40 minutes wait time. Go early the sooner the better and less chaotic unless you want to wait in a theme park line.

  • 5/5 My N. 5 months ago on Google
    A colored block of concrete — though really iconic and way smaller than you might think. If around must see! Come in the morning. Traveling on the Duval Loop you can get really close. I think it’s stop No10. At the moment very busy and very noisy environment, due to nearby construction. PS : please make sure to read the inscription and description next to it. Also you might find a Easter-Egg, “The Cable Hut”, I really found interesting. Also the statue next to them (unfortunately the description is very hard to read; please city of Key West, fix that). Also the house on the lane have interesting historical facts. PPS : I could not see the island of Cuba. Not even sure if it is possible, though telling you I tried. PPPS : don’t take too long, since there are many people who wishes to immortalize this iconic moment. Enjoy !

  • 5/5 BHBB USA L. 5 months ago on Google
    This symbolic place pays tribute to the memory of thousands of Cubans who disappeared in the Florida Strait. At this emblematic location, dozens or even hundreds of people pay daily tribute to the thousands of Cubans who chose to attempt to reach the land of freedom and, unfortunately, did not succeed in the sea. Instead, they lost their lives in a country in agony and full of governmental incapacity to make its people happy. I share a passage from the memorial plaque that remains there: “October 10, 1993 A.D. In honor of the generosity of the people of the United States of America to the people of Cuba. This memorial is dedicated in honor of the thousands of Cubans that have lost their lives at sea, looking for freedom and social justice in this great melting pot, America, the leader in democracy”.

  • 5/5 Sheri L. 5 months ago on Google
    We had a wonderful time visiting Key West in mid October 2023. We only waited in line for about 5 minutes to get our picture taken at the most southern point!! Before deciding which day we were going to visit, we first checked the cruise line schedule to be sure we weren’t visiting Key West with 2,000 + other people!

  • 5/5 Howard H. 9 months ago on Google
    While taking the Old Town Trolley Hop On Hop off tour, we went past the Southernmost point of the United States. From what we could see it was pretty crowded. Lots of tourists taking pictures. You can get off the trolley at any time and wander around if you want because there's another one not too far behind it. We decided to look at other things instead of stopping at this particular beach.

  • 5/5 Stephanie S. 8 months ago on Google
    A great little detour way out of our way but so worth the 8hr round trip to visit. Everyone in line to take a photo was so nice and willing to take photos for you while you were there. Glad to be able to share that experience and do something together with my husband that neither of us had seen or been to before.

  • 4/5 Coral 10 months ago on Google
    This is a unique place. Almost olde worlde, with great architecture. We walked down Whitehead Street to the end where we had pictures taken of the iconic Southernmost point. You have to line up, and thankfully the line wasn't too long. Most people were happy to take each other's picture. We walked up Duval Street, where there were cafés, restaurants, souvenir shops and loads of rainbow 🌈 flags. We came at the time of Pride month. Walking around, we noticed loads of chickens everywhere. Just ... walking. I'm sure there's a story behind that.

  • 4/5 Sandra S. 11 months ago on Google
    It's a big concrete buoy with facts painted on it. You stand in line for about 10 minutes (sometimes longer) to have your picture taken next to it. I will say that if you are planning to walk from the cruiseport, bring an umbrella to help with the sun. I got burned. My own fault, I thought it would be quicker to get there.

  • 3/5 Keri De los r. 1 year ago on Google
    Plan on standing in line for at least 10 minutes for a picture. We went at night and day and both times it was busy.. Really all it is, is a big landmark saying southernmost point. Very crowded.

  • 3/5 Jay S. 9 months ago on Google
    Cool iconic stop to take a photo. Unfortunately the line was wrapped around the block so we snapped pics from the road but was nice walking around the area and buying souvenirs and food from the local shops

  • 4/5 Kelsey S. 11 months ago on Google
    Cool-looking marker to show where the southernmost point of the continental United States is. As with most land markers, apparently, the spot where the marker stands is not actually the southernmost point. Parking was easy enough and the line was short to get a picture by the marker. Beautiful views of the ocean and birds and lizards.

  • 5/5 Wendy T. 10 months ago on Google
    Was here a couple of weeks ago, and loved visiting this place. The vibe here, the history here is amazing. We take for granted the beauty in a place not realizing all it has been through. So glad I got to see this up close and personal and definitely would recommend for anyone who has not been here to go…

  • 5/5 Scott A. 11 months ago on Google
    If you want to take a photo with the marker, be prepared to wait. During the week off season, it is not bad. OR, you can just step to the side and wait for the folks to step away and snap a photo of just the marker. Folks are generally patient and helpful with each other. It's nice to see folks asking if they can take the photo for the family in front of them. Definitely a to-do when in Key West.

  • 5/5 Paul W. 2 years ago on Google
    My niece and I ran in the Key West 5K last weekend and stayed right up the street from the Southernmost Point! I was impressed how quickly the monument got restored since vandal tried to deface it. Thanks to the workers for quickly making an iconic monument a view to remember. It made our trip memorable.


Call (305) 809-3700 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

The Hemingway Home and Museum image
1
The Hemingway Home and Museum
Museum
Visitors come to see Hemingway's studio, garden & 6-toed felines that may be descendants of his cat.
4.60 (14.1K reviews)
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park image
2
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
State park
State park features beach & water sport rentals, nature trails, a cafe & a pre-Civil War fortress.
4.60 (13.6K reviews)
Smathers Beach image
3
Smathers Beach
Public beach
Public beach & a spring break destination with showers & volleyball, plus jet ski rentals.
4.20 (8K reviews)
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory image
4
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Garden
Glass-enclosed, plant-filled habitat for interactive walks among species of butterflies & birds.
4.80 (6.8K reviews)
Clarence S.Higgs Memorial Beach image
5
Clarence S.Higgs Memorial Beach
Public beach
Small beach with a pier, plus monuments documenting the site of an 1800s African slave cemetery.
4.30 (5K reviews)
Last updated:
()