Southernmost Point Buoy - a yellow buoy floating in the ocean
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Southernmost Point Buoy

4.5
·42k reviews·Key West, United States

Iconic buoy marking the continental U.S.'s southernmost point, just 90 miles from Cuba. A must-visit Key West landmark.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning (before 8 AM)

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
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Southernmost Point Buoy - a yellow buoy floating in the ocean

Southernmost Point Buoy

Best Time

Early morning (before 8 AM)

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic buoy marking the continental U.S.'s southernmost point, just 90 miles from Cuba. A must-visit Key West landmark.

4.5
(42k reviews)

"A fun, quick memorable stop. Perfect for a classic Keys photo. A must-do!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Photos

Beat the crowds and heat by visiting before 8 AM for unobstructed photos with the buoy.

📍 Check Replica Location

The original buoy is under repair. A replica is usually available on Duval Street.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Buoy

The Iconic Buoy

Southernmost Point Plaza (original location) or temporary replica site

Snap a photo at this vibrant, anchored concrete buoy marking the continental U.S.'s southernmost point.

90 Miles to Cuba View

90 Miles to Cuba View

Southernmost Point

Gaze towards the horizon and imagine being just 90 miles from Cuba. A truly unique geographical marker.

Key West Charm

Key West Charm

Duval Street area

Soak in the lively atmosphere of Duval Street, with shops and eateries surrounding this famous landmark.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun and long queues. Many travelers suggest arriving before 8 AM for unobstructed photos. Parking is also easier to find during these times. InstagramReddit

Temporary Location Alert

The original buoy is undergoing repairs. A replica is available nearby, typically between The Southernmost House and Southernmost Beach Resort on Duval Street. Check local updates for the exact location. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Early morning (before 8 AM)
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon (after 4 PM)
Why
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

He rescued her, just so he could do it himself.
@tizzyent
254.5K likes • 1.8M views

🎯 Arrive Early for Photos

Beat the crowds and heat by visiting before 8 AM for unobstructed photos with the buoy. InstagramReddit

📍 Check Replica Location

The original buoy is under repair. A replica is usually available on Duval Street. Instagram+1

A Key West trip isn’t complete without a sandbar excursion. This is beyond a normal beach experience and is a local favorite. Add this to your Florida Keys checklist! @lowtidecharter #keywest #floridakeys #florida #floridacheck #visitflorida #visitkeywest #bestofkeywest #floridakeyschecklist #loveflorida #sandbar #floridabeaches #floridatravel #boatdays #beau...
@keywestguide
59.1K likes • 1.7M views
✨ Big news in Key West! ✨ The iconic Southernmost Point Buoy—one of the most photographed landmarks in the world—is now at 📍1400 Duval Street, ocean front in the Pocket Park, right between The Southernmost House and Lopez House. 🌴🏠 We’re loving our new neighbor – and now there’s even more reason to plan your visit or stop by to snap a pic, and soak up the Key West vibes with us. 🌴☀️📸 ➡️ Who’s e...
southernmosthouse
180 likes • 3K views

☀️ Sunscreen is Essential

Key West sun is intense! Don't forget to apply and reapply sunscreen. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk or Bike

Parking is tough. Consider walking or biking to the site, especially if staying nearby. Reddit

📍 While the Southernmost Point is under construction, visitors can still snap their iconic photo at the buoy replica now located between Southernmost Beach Café and Southernmost House on Duval Street. 🌴📸 #duvalstreet #southernmostpoint #keywestvacation #floridakeysvacation #keywestlife #keywestfl #floridakeyslife #keywestphotographer #virtualtours
keywestvirtualtours
63 likes • 2.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Photos

Beat the crowds and heat by visiting before 8 AM for unobstructed photos with the buoy. InstagramReddit

📍 Check Replica Location

The original buoy is under repair. A replica is usually available on Duval Street. Instagram+1

☀️ Sunscreen is Essential

Key West sun is intense! Don't forget to apply and reapply sunscreen. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk or Bike

Parking is tough. Consider walking or biking to the site, especially if staying nearby. Reddit

📸 Take Turns for Pics

People are friendly and often help each other take photos. Be patient and polite. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(42k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Southernmost Point Buoy an iconic and essential Key West stop, offering a unique photo opportunity and a sense of accomplishment. While the landmark itself is free and accessible, the experience can be impacted by crowds and the midday heat, making early morning visits highly recommended. Some note that the grounds could benefit from better maintenance, but the overall sentiment is positive for this memorable, albeit touristy, landmark.

"Had to make a stop. This is one of the most iconic points in the United States. Thousands visit every year, and it’s pretty cool to say I’ve been here. There was a short, self organized line of folks taking turns snapping photos for each other, which was refreshing to see. A little shimmer of humanity, people helping strangers just because.

The site itself is nice, but it could use some love. The grounds felt a bit tired and would benefit from more cleaning and maintenance. It seems to be locally supported and maintained, but it really deserves recognition and funding at the state or even federal level.

Great spot. Have fun and don’t forget the sunblock."

James Stafford

"The Southernmost Point & Buoy in Key West is a fun, iconic spot marking the U.S.’s southernmost point. I visited in September 2025, hitting it early at 6:30 AM for crowd-free photos. It’s free, open 24/7, and easy to reach by foot or bike, though parking’s tight. The colorful buoy screams Key West charm. Fun, quick memorable stop. Perfect for a classic Keys photo. A must-do!"

John Jones

"It is indeed closed off for repairs. My visit and photo (with the replica) is current as of 9/6/25 at 6pm!
The replica is at the block just before where the real monument is, next to Emma Crates pier. I’ve attached a google satellite image of where the replica is for reference. Nevertheless, replica is still a good photo opp, and then you can walk to the end of the pier for another pic haha."

Jordan Mizell

What People Like

Iconic photo opportunity
Geographical significance
Key West atmosphere

What People Dislike

Crowds and long lines
Midday heat
Grounds maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Southernmost Point Buoy is located at the intersection of South Street and Whitehead Street in Key West. Many visitors walk or bike to the site, especially if staying on Duval Street. Parking can be challenging, so arriving early or considering alternative transport is recommended. InstagramReddit

Parking near the Southernmost Point Buoy is very limited and can be difficult to find, especially during peak hours. Street parking is available but often fills up quickly. Some visitors opt for paid parking lots or garages a few blocks away. InstagramReddit

Yes, you can drive to the vicinity of the Southernmost Point Buoy. However, finding parking directly at the landmark is challenging. Many recommend parking a few blocks away and walking or biking to the buoy. Reddit

While Key West has a public bus system, it may not drop you directly at the Southernmost Point. However, many hotels and attractions are within walking distance of the buoy, making it accessible after a short bus ride or a pleasant stroll. TikTok

Key West is very walkable and bike-friendly. Once you've visited the Southernmost Point, consider exploring nearby attractions like Hemingway's House or strolling down Duval Street. Renting a bike is a popular way to see the island. TikTokReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to visit the Southernmost Point Buoy. It is a public landmark and is free to access. However, be prepared for potential queues to take photos with the buoy itself. Reddit

The Southernmost Point Buoy is generally accessible 24/7, as it's an outdoor landmark. However, the best times to visit for photos are during daylight hours, and early morning or late afternoon are recommended to avoid crowds and heat. Reddit

The original Southernmost Point Buoy has undergone temporary closures for repairs. A replica buoy is typically set up nearby for photos. It's advisable to check recent social media posts or local Key West news for the most up-to-date information on its status. Instagram+1

Taking a picture at the Southernmost Point Buoy is free. There is no admission fee. You may encounter people offering to take your photo for a small tip, but it's not mandatory. Reddit

While the area is generally open, it's important to respect the landmark and surrounding property. Avoid climbing on the buoy or fences. During repair periods, access to the immediate area around the original buoy may be restricted. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The best times for photos are early morning (before 8 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) to avoid harsh midday sun and long lines. The 'golden hour' light during these times also creates beautiful shots. InstagramReddit

To minimize wait times, aim to visit very early in the morning, ideally before 8 AM. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. InstagramReddit

The main photo opportunity is directly with the buoy. Visitors often take turns posing in front of it. You can also capture the ocean views and the general Key West atmosphere in your shots. Reddit

Bring your phone or camera, of course! A portable charger can be useful. Consider a wide-angle lens if you want to capture more of the surroundings. Don't forget sunscreen and water, as you might be waiting in the sun. Instagram

Drone usage in Key West is subject to strict regulations, especially in populated areas and near landmarks. It's best to check current FAA guidelines and local ordinances before attempting to fly a drone near the Southernmost Point. TikTok

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

While the buoy is the main attraction, you can enjoy the ocean views, read the historical markers, and soak in the unique Key West vibe. The surrounding area offers shops and eateries. Reddit

Most visitors spend about 15-30 minutes at the Southernmost Point, including the time spent waiting for photos and taking them. It's a quick stop, but a memorable one. Reddit

The Southernmost Point area is generally considered safe, as it's a popular tourist destination. However, like any busy area, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure. Reddit

There are no specific amenities directly at the buoy itself. However, restrooms, shops, and restaurants are located within walking distance on Duval Street and surrounding areas. Reddit

The buoy marks the southernmost point of the continental United States and is only 90 miles from Cuba. It's a popular symbol of Key West and a must-see for many visitors. TikTokInstagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the Southernmost Point is located on Duval Street, which is lined with numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars offering a variety of cuisines. You'll find everything from casual snacks to sit-down meals. Reddit

Key West offers a diverse culinary scene, with a focus on fresh seafood, Cuban influences, and classic American fare. You can find everything from conch fritters and key lime pie to international dishes. Reddit

Many restaurants on Duval Street are popular. For a classic Key West experience, consider places known for seafood or Cuban sandwiches. It's worth checking recent reviews for current favorites. Reddit

Absolutely! There are many casual eateries, ice cream shops, and cafes along Duval Street perfect for a quick snack or drink before or after your visit to the Southernmost Point. Reddit

Dining prices can vary widely. You can find budget-friendly options like sandwich shops and casual cafes, as well as more upscale restaurants. Duval Street generally caters to tourists, so prices can be slightly higher than off-the-beaten-path locations. Reddit

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