End of the Road: Visit the Southernmost Point Buoy in Key West

After traveling nearly 2,370 miles from Fort Kent, Maine, U.S. Route 1 comes to an end in Key West, Florida. Just a short distance from the highway’s southern terminus stands one of America’s most photographed landmarks: the Southernmost Point Buoy.

Painted in bright red, yellow, and black, the massive concrete buoy marks the southernmost point of the continental United States that’s accessible to the public. It proudly proclaims, “90 Miles to Cuba,” making it a bucket-list destination for road trippers, history lovers, and anyone wanting to commemorate the end of one of America’s most iconic highways.

Why It’s Worth the Stop

For Route 1 travelers, there’s no better place to celebrate the journey. Whether you’ve driven the entire highway or are simply exploring Key West, standing beside the Southernmost Point Buoy is a tradition for millions of visitors each year.

The buoy was installed in 1983 after the original marker—a simple sign—was repeatedly stolen as a souvenir. The colorful concrete monument solved that problem and quickly became one of Florida’s most recognizable attractions.

The location is especially popular at sunrise, when the soft morning light creates spectacular photos before the crowds arrive. Throughout the day, visitors from around the world line up for their turn in front of the buoy, making it one of the most photographed spots in the Florida Keys.

Although the marker says “90 Miles to Cuba,” the exact distance varies slightly depending on where it’s measured. The buoy has become a symbol of adventure, road trips, and reaching the end of America’s longest north-south highway.

Know Before You Go

1. Location: Whitehead Street and South Street, Key West, FL — less than 1 mile from the end of U.S. Route 1
2. Hours: Open 24 hours a day
3. Admission: Free
4. Parking: Limited street parking nearby; walking or biking is often the easiest option
5. Accessibility: Sidewalk access makes the buoy easy to reach
6. Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning or near sunset to avoid the longest lines and capture the best lighting for photos.

Nearby on Route 1

1. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum – Tour the legendary author’s home and meet its famous six-toed cats.
2. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory – Walk among hundreds of colorful butterflies in a tropical paradise.
3. Mallory Square – End the day with Key West’s famous sunset celebration.