Key West

Southernmost Point in the Nation

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  • Whitehead and South streets
     Key West, Florida 33040
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Southernmost Point

  • July 14, 2006
  • Rated 3 of 5 by Mamaofboyz from Key West, Florida
It is the southernmost point in the continental USA. A big buoy marks the location stating that you are closer to Cuba than you are to the mainland of Florida. A definite picture taking location, but a bit hectic with the traffic that goes through the area. The streets are not really accommodating for large vehicles although many still believe that they are! So, if you go, keep an eye on the young ones. Beautiful view of the ocean from there!

From journal Florida Keys

Editor Pick

Southernmost Point in the Nation

  • June 29, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Dutchnatasja from Etten-Leur
Southernmost Point in the Nation

One of the most photographed places in the city!

Tourists, tourists everywhere. Standing in a line, just to get a picture of themselves in front of the Southernmost Point buoy. This must be the most photographed place in Key West. Aren’t these people aware of the fact that this isn’t the Southernmost Point of the continental USA at all? The real Southernmost Point (geographically) is on the property of the United States Navy and is of course not accessible to the public. That’s why the buoy is standing at the corner of South Street and Whitehead Street.

Almost every company near the Southernmost Point has a fascination with the word ‘Southernmost’. Just notice what they have done with their company name. It always starts with the word Southernmost. For example: Southernmost Contractor, Southernmost Grocery & Deli, Southernmost Hotel, Southernmost Insurance Agency, etc. Personally, I don’t care if their location is Southernmost or not. However, the nomination of Southernmost seems to be very important to them.

When we visited this place last May, I noticed that the paintwork on the buoy was in a worse condition. The last letters of Southernmost Point were missing as you can see it in the picture below. This is the result of the 2005 hurricane-season. Also the houses in the area were badly damaged. Houses and brick walls were destroyed by the power of the hurricanes. On top of that hurricane Wilma caused flooding. The salt water destroyed much of the fauna. The island is not as green as it used to be.

In spite of the fact that tourists overrun this place daily; we always visit it at least once during our stay in Key West. Just to people watch and of course for the spot itself. Well it’s something you have to do when you're in Key West I guess. We all are One Human Family after all. Speaking of this. While you are there look for the mosaic tile work on the side curb of Whitehead Street. If you can’t find it, a merchant probably put his business on top of it? Even in paradise, business goes first.

From journal Key West 2006; Set your Clock for Island Time!

Southernmost Point Monument

  • April 15, 2004
  • Rated 3 of 5 by dmiltimo from Lakemoor, Illinois
Southernmost Point Monument

Well, if you're into tourist traps, this is one of the bigger ones on the island. It's nice to stand there and think that you're the southernmost person in the US for a few seconds. Don't spend more than a few minutes in the area. In the area is a lot of interesting neighborhoods and basic shopping. Do it and go.

From journal Key West -- April 2004

Editor Pick

Southernmost Point

  • March 28, 2001
  • Rated 2 of 5 by lisanti from Houston, Texas
We knew we had to see it. It is after all, the southernmost point of the continental United States, and only 90 miles to Cuba. So, one day, we rode our bikes down there and there it was: a huge red and yellow concrete buoy surrounded by people. People everywhere: climbing on the buoy, taking pictures, driving by, tour groups, people milling around the table full of 'Southernmost Point' souvenirs.

It was late afternoon, and probably one of the most popular times of day to visit this monument, but still, we were not too impressed. It was just a tourist attraction, with not much else to offer. Sure it was neat to see, but there are much better places to waste your time and film in Key West.

From journal Spring Break in Key West

Southernmost Point

  • October 9, 2000
  • Rated 3 of 5 by kimbis from Lansing, Michigan
Located at the corner of South and Whitehead, it's hard to miss the Southernmost Point marker. A completely kitchy tourist stop, it really is a must-do. (It's about a block from the Southermost Point Guest House, which I highly recommend) It's amazing to look out over the horizon, know that Cuba is closer to you than Miami is at that point, and wonder at the people who cross in home-made vessels. There is almost ALWAYS a helpful person there to take your picture in front of it for you. There used to even be locals who pretty much made their living taking tips to photograph people in front of the huge marker.

From journal Home away from home

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