The Southernmost Point Buoy in Key West: History and Interesting Facts

Key West is known not only for its beaches and relaxed atmosphere, but also for iconic landmarks that every traveler wants to see. One such place is the buoy of the southernmost point of the continental United States. Bright, massive, with the inscription "90 miles to Cuba" — it has become not just an attraction, but a symbol of Key West. This is a place where tourists line up for a memorable photo, and the buoy itself hides an interesting story.

History of Creation

The Southernmost Point Buoy in Key West didn't appear right away. Until 1983, there was only a small sign in this place, which was repeatedly stolen by tourists or destroyed by hurricanes. The city authorities decided it was time to create something more substantial. That's how the massive concrete buoy appeared, weighing several tons and secured so that it couldn't be moved.

The colors and shape were also chosen for a reason. Red, yellow, and black resemble the colors of navigation buoys that help sailors navigate the water. The white inscription "90 miles to Cuba" indicates the distance to the nearest country. In fact, the distance is slightly longer, but it was rounded specifically — this way the number is better remembered.

Over the decades, the buoy has become an integral part of Key West. It has been repeatedly restored, repainted, and even saved after hurricanes. In 2017, after Hurricane Irma, it was badly damaged, but local authorities quickly restored it. In 2022, traces of fire appeared on it — two locals set fire to a Christmas tree nearby, and the buoy became smoky. The culprits were quickly found, and the surface was repainted again.

Now it is one of the most photographed attractions in Florida. Every morning, a line of tourists forms in front of it, and locals sometimes come here to drink coffee and watch the sunrise.

What Makes This Place Unique

The Southernmost Point Buoy in Key West is one of those landmarks that immediately sticks in your memory. It doesn't have complex architecture, rich decor, or interactive elements, but it invariably attracts people. There are several reasons:

• It is the southernmost point of the continental United States. Only the Caribbean islands are closer to the equator. There is a special sense of geography in this place — Cuba is only 90 miles away, and if you stand by the water, you can imagine that somewhere there, beyond the horizon, another country begins.
• The buoy has become a recognizable symbol of Key West. Its bright colors and distinctive shape make it an ideal place for photos. People come here specifically to capture themselves against the backdrop of the famous inscription. Many stand in line even in the heat, because a snapshot at the buoy is an almost mandatory part of the trip.
• There is a special atmosphere here. In the morning, tourists meet the dawn, and in the evening they come to see off the sun, which sets in the ocean. Sometimes you can see pelicans, and in good weather, even sailboats on the horizon.

This buoy is not just a landmark on the map, but a place that is associated with freedom, travel, and the relaxed life of Key West.

Interesting Facts

The Southernmost Point Buoy in Key West may seem like a simple monument, but it has its own history and curious details that not everyone knows about.

• Not the southernmost point
  Despite the loud inscription, this place is not the southernmost point of the USA. The real one is located on the territory of a nearby military base, where tourists are not allowed. But since access is closed, the buoy has become a symbolic mark of the southern border of the continental part of the country.
• The famous distance to Cuba is slightly inaccurate
  The buoy indicates that it is 90 miles to Cuba. In fact, the nearest point of the island is slightly further — about 94 miles. But the rounded number looks better and is easier to remember.
• Hurricanes tried to move it
  The buoy weighs several tons and stands firmly in place, but several strong storms have tried to "move" it. In 2017, Hurricane Irma partially damaged the coating, and it had to be restored.
• There used to be a regular road sign here
  Before the buoy appeared, tourists were greeted by a small sign that constantly disappeared—it was either torn off or suffered from the weather. The authorities got tired of replacing it and decided to put something more stable.
• It has been repeatedly vandalized
  In 2022, two locals decided to burn a Christmas tree nearby. The fire damaged the surface of the buoy, and it had to be repainted. The culprits were quickly found — surveillance cameras helped.
• Queues to the buoy are common
  At the height of the season, you can stand in line at the attraction for 30–40 minutes. But there is a way to avoid the crowd — come early in the morning, when Key West is just waking up.
• There are many other interesting places around
  The buoy is not the only attraction nearby. Just a few minutes' walk away is the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and nearby you can see the old lighthouse.

These details make the buoy not just a point on the map, but an object with an interesting history and unexpected events.

Useful Information for Tourists

Visiting the Southernmost Point Buoy in the USA does not require special preparation, but there are a few nuances that will help you save time and make your trip more comfortable.

• How to get there. The buoy is located at the intersection of South and Whitehead Streets in Key West. If you are staying in the city center, you can walk to it — the distance is short. For those traveling by car, there are parking lots nearby, but they fill up quickly in season. An alternative is to rent a bicycle or take a taxi.
• When to arrive. The main problem of the attraction is the queues. Tourists flock here during the day, and waiting for a photo can take 30–40 minutes. The optimal time to visit is early morning or late evening. It is especially beautiful here at dawn, and there are far fewer people.
• What to bring. If you plan to take photos, don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen — there is almost no shade here, and the sun shines very brightly. Water will also not be superfluous, especially if you come during the day.

Visiting the buoy is a short but memorable stop in Key West. If you choose the right time, you can avoid the crowd and take great photos.

Nearby Attractions

The Southernmost Point Buoy in the USA is a popular but small place. A visit will only take a few minutes, so it is worth planning in advance where to go next. Within walking distance there are several interesting places that will make your trip to Key West more fulfilling.

• Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Just a 10-minute walk away is one of Key West's most famous museums — the former home of Ernest Hemingway. He lived and worked here for ten years. The house has preserved furniture from that time, and in the courtyard there are descendants of his famous six-toed cats.
• Key West Lighthouse. Directly opposite the Hemingway house is an old lighthouse with panoramic views of the city and ocean. It was built in 1848 and still remains one of the main observation decks on the island. Climbing to the top requires a little effort — you will have to overcome 88 steps, but the view is worth it.
• Beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Park. If after a walk you want to relax by the water, you can go to Fort Zachary Taylor Park. This is one of the best beaches in Key West with clear water and good snorkeling spots. Nearby there is a shaded area with picnic tables and an old fort that is open to visitors.
• Lime pie cafe. Key West is famous for its lime pie, and it can be tasted in many establishments. One popular place is the Blue Heaven cafe, where dessert is served with high meringue. Another option is Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe, where you can buy a pie to take away.
• Mallory Square. If a walk around the city drags on until the evening, it is worth looking into Mallory Square. This is a place where people gather every evening to see off the sun. Street musicians, acrobats, and magicians perform here, and local vendors offer souvenirs and snacks. The sunset in Key West is a real show, and Mallory Square is the best place to see it.

After visiting the buoy, you can choose any of these routes depending on your interests — a walk through historical places, relaxation by the water, or tasting local dishes.