The Southernmost Point, Key West (must see)
Just a few blocks from Duval Street, at the intersection of South Street and Whitehead Street, is a painted concrete buoy 鈥� 12 feet tall and 7 feet wide. This landmark indicates the southernmost point in the continental United States, as well as the southernmost point of the island chain that makes up the Florida Keys.
Originally, the place was marked with a simple sign, which often got stolen. In response to this, by 1983, the city authorities erected the now famous concrete structure. Its location is only about 90 miles from Cuba, and the proximity of the island nation is part of what makes the Southernmost Point Buoy such an iconic symbol of Key West.
The buoy is effectively an old sewer junction that was dug up in the area and found too heavy and large to move, so they decided to paint it up to look like a buoy.
The current text on it, reading "The Conch Republic. 90 Miles to Cuba, Southernmost Point Continental U.S.A., Key West, F.L., Home of the Sunset", dates back to 2011. The phrases "90 miles to Cuba" and "Home of the Sunset" were added in 1986. Previously, the line "90 miles to Cuba" was written on a smaller sign on the fence nearby. Also next to the buoy, there was a script "America Begins" painted on a curb below the 鈥�90 miles to Cuba鈥� sign.
The buoy paint job was done by local painter-artist Danny Acosta; the city hired him again to paint the buoy after it was damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Just a little east of the marker is a small cement structure. This is a former telegraph hut that used to house an underwater telephone cable that connected Key West to Havana in 1921.
Tip:
Considering this is a favorite spot for taking photographs, it is always crowded during the day, so be prepared to queue up for about 30-40 minutes for the photo op. If you don't like crowds, you can come early in the morning and admire the unforgettable view of the sun rising from the Atlantic.
Originally, the place was marked with a simple sign, which often got stolen. In response to this, by 1983, the city authorities erected the now famous concrete structure. Its location is only about 90 miles from Cuba, and the proximity of the island nation is part of what makes the Southernmost Point Buoy such an iconic symbol of Key West.
The buoy is effectively an old sewer junction that was dug up in the area and found too heavy and large to move, so they decided to paint it up to look like a buoy.
The current text on it, reading "The Conch Republic. 90 Miles to Cuba, Southernmost Point Continental U.S.A., Key West, F.L., Home of the Sunset", dates back to 2011. The phrases "90 miles to Cuba" and "Home of the Sunset" were added in 1986. Previously, the line "90 miles to Cuba" was written on a smaller sign on the fence nearby. Also next to the buoy, there was a script "America Begins" painted on a curb below the 鈥�90 miles to Cuba鈥� sign.
The buoy paint job was done by local painter-artist Danny Acosta; the city hired him again to paint the buoy after it was damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Just a little east of the marker is a small cement structure. This is a former telegraph hut that used to house an underwater telephone cable that connected Key West to Havana in 1921.
Tip:
Considering this is a favorite spot for taking photographs, it is always crowded during the day, so be prepared to queue up for about 30-40 minutes for the photo op. If you don't like crowds, you can come early in the morning and admire the unforgettable view of the sun rising from the Atlantic.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Key West. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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The Southernmost Point on Map
Sight Name: The Southernmost Point
Sight Location: Key West, USA (See walking tours in Key West)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Key West, USA (See walking tours in Key West)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Key West, Florida
Create Your Own Walk in Key West
Creating your own self-guided walk in Key West is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Key West Bar Hopping
Key West, Florida is often referred to as "an amusement park for adults fueled with alcohol" and is widely renowned for its diverse and vibrant bar scene. Blessed with a tropical climate and stunning ocean views, the city enjoys a relaxed, anything-goes attitude which after dusk transforms into lively nightlife centered around the many watering holes and clubs lining the streets of the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Key West Introduction Walking Tour
For the historically curious as well as for party-goers or laid-back drifters, Key West is a small paradise at the end of U.S. Route 1, on the southernmost tip of the continental United States, in the Florida Keys archipelago. The installed here Southernmost Point landmark reminds of this fact and is a popular spot for photos and selfies.
Key West is blessed with beautiful nature, indeed. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Key West is blessed with beautiful nature, indeed. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Top 12 Bars in Key West, Florida
Drinking is a way of life in Key West. Whether you want a perfectly poured Guinness or would rather sip frozen rum runners while watching the sun set, the Southern Most City has everything to offer. This guide will help you find the most popular bars and hidden local favorites on Duval Street and...