Southernmost Point Buoy Key West: Temporary Location, Photo Tips, and What’s Next

If you're heading to Key West to get the photo at the Southernmost Point Buoy, we're here to tell you about a recent update with its temporary location and a little bit of history along the way. So where is the Southernmost Point Buoy right now? While the original corner at South and Whitehead is closed for seawall and street end reconstruction, an official full-scale replica of the Southernmost Point buoy welcomes visitors at Duval Pocket Park, 1400 Duval Street, adjacent to Southernmost Beach Café. The City anticipates roughly a year of work with a targeted return by late 2026. In the meantime, the Southernmost Point and "90 Miles to Cuba" photo tradition continues at its temporary home. (Photo credit: City of Key West)

From Conch Shells to Concrete: Why This Corner Became “The Spot”

Long before the concrete buoy was created, as this 1960s postcard shows, the South and Whitehead corner was a place to gather, drawing visitors to hand-painted 'Southernmost Point' signs beside the old cable hut while locals sold conch shells to tourists, turning the corner into an informal souvenir market. (Postcard: Southernmost Point and cable hut with shell vendors, 1960s; Monroe County Library Collection, Florida Keys History Center)

Visitors sometimes wonder if the buoy marks the true southernmost point of the continental U.S. While the island's true southern tip is on restricted Navy property, the corner of South and Whitehead is the closest public access point. This made it the natural choice for the landmark, honoring the spot where visitors had gathered for decades.

Why a Concrete Buoy in 1983

During the 1970s and early 1980s, wooden markers were repeatedly stolen or damaged by weather. To create something permanent, the City installed a painted concrete buoy that was too heavy to move and photogenic from every angle. Dedicated in 1983, it preserved the message visitors already loved — "90 Miles to Cuba" — in a landmark built to last.

The Iconography That Endures

The buoy’s bold red, yellow, and black bands make it stand out in every photo. The words "Southernmost Point Continental U.S.A." anchor its claim. "The Conch Republic" celebrates Key West’s 1982 tongue-in-cheek secession, while "Key West, FL. Home of the Sunset" was added later, cementing the marker as a symbol of island life. (Photo credit: IG: marytinsleyspinale)

The Temporary Move: Keeping the Tradition Alive

Storms and time damaged the seawall and street end, prompting a full renovation at the original corner. To preserve the visitor experience, the City placed a full-scale replica at Duval Pocket Park so travelers can still capture the classic photo until the landmark returns in late 2026.

The Perfect Temporary Home

The buoy is more than just coordinates. It is a story in color and type, a piece of Conch Republic history, and a marker that says "I was here." The Duval Pocket Park setting keeps the tradition alive with everything that makes island life special: tropical landscaping, ocean breezes, and views that make every photo pop. (Photo credit: IG: keywestted)

Know Before You Go

• Location: The Southernmost Point Buoy replica is now at Duval Pocket Park, 1400 Duval Street, just a block from its original corner at South and Whitehead.
   
• Replica: It’s a full-scale buoy, matching the original at approximately 12 feet tall and 7 feet wide, so you’ll get the same iconic photo experience.
   
• Lines: Many travelers ask what time of day is best to visit. Expect a line. This photo op is on nearly everyone’s Key West bucket list. The best times are early in the morning or in the evening when the light is softer and the crowds are smaller.
   
• Parking: Parking in Key West is always a challenge. Walk, bike, or use a rideshare service.
   
• Photo Tips: Frame the buoy straight-on to capture the bold stripes and "90 Miles to Cuba" text. Take 2-3 quick shots from different angles, then step aside for others. Golden hour (sunrise/sunset) offers the best light and shorter lines. For midday visits, stand slightly to the side to avoid harsh shadows and wait for cloud cover to soften the light. Bring sunglasses for squint-free smiles. Good luck!
   

Before or after your photo at the replica buoy, stop by Southernmost Beach Café right next door. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the café serves fresh seafood, island favorites, and cocktails in a relaxed oceanfront setting. For a lighter start, The Coffee Shop opens from 7:30am to 1:00pm, offering coffee, smoothies, and pastries to enjoy on the patio overlooking the Atlantic.
 

The Southernmost Point Buoy photo tradition continues at its temporary location through 2026. Continue making memories and capturing those "I was here" moments at this iconic spot in paradise, and let your Key West adventure unfold. #lovethemarker