Southernmost Point in the Continental USA
Location: Key West, Florida
When to visit: Anytime, but for shortest lines, come before 9 am
Cost: Free
Time needed to enjoy: 10-60 minutes, depending on the wait
Website: http://southernmostpointusa.com
In Key West, Florida, you can find a monument that marks the southernmost point in the continental United States. This red, black and yellow concrete buoy right next to the ocean has become a huge tourist attraction. If you visit Key West, you’ll want to stop by, but chances are you’ll be waiting with dozens of other people to get your picture taken with it.
For easiest access, arrive early. That’s when you’ll find the shortest lines. When I visited a couple weeks ago, I got there around 9:30. It was rainy and it was off-peak season, so I got my photo with only a five-minute wait.
Many publications call the Southernmost Point in Key West a tourist trap. Of course it is! So what? Some scrooges also like to point out that the monument isn’t truly the most southern spot in the continental U.S. – that distinction belongs to Ballast Key, an isolated, privately-owned island 10 miles west of Key West.
But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the Key West tradition. Join in on the fun and get your picture taken next to the “90 Miles to Cuba” marker that has become a landmark since it was erected in 1983.
I can’t tell if the wind is blowing or you got a new hairdid, but it looks really cute none-the-less.
Caanan @ No Vacation Required recently posted..You Know What’s Scary? Exhaustion
Thanks, I think it was a weird combination of morning hair and wind.
Ah lively, fun Key West. We were there earlier this year – one of my fave places in the USA..
Sophie recently posted..Anne Frank still speaks to us
It was fun even if my visit was brief.
Scott – Quirky Travel Guy recently posted..Quirky Attraction: Southernmost Point in the Continental USA
Its just so similar to the southern most point that we have in India!!
Have a fabulous day Scott:)
Arti recently posted..Photographical Memories from the Himalayas: Waterfalls…
Cool, I wonder how many countries have a southernmost point monument?
Been there several times — love Key West, it’s like being in the Caribbean.
glen recently posted..North by Downeast on the Maine Seacoast
It is, good comparison!
But of course one needs to have one’s picture taken there. And the second MUST photo op is the 0 Mile sign. I love Key West.
inka recently posted..Lamb and sweets – kurban bayram in Turkey
I got a couple pics of Mile 0 too!
We’ve been there!! Most of your quirky attractions I’ve never heard of, but this one I’m all over.
Christy @ Technosyncratic recently posted..Photo of the Week: Night View of Prague’s Most Famous Bridge
Yeah, this one is really popular!
I love tourist traps!
They are fun in their own way
Next stop….Cuba??
John in France recently posted..Edith Piaf – The Sparrow and the Rose
Yes, Cuba would be the next logical destination!
This one resonated with me as we live on the southernmost point of continental Europe
robin recently posted..La Torre
That’s cool. I wonder if there’s a tourist marker there?
i love to hate tourist traps. I especially love them when they are over the top gaudy!
jenjenk recently posted..Cappadocia, Turkey: Kelebek Cave Hotel
Those are the best kinds
Wow, that’s way close to Cuba. A little bit of a tourist trap, but that’s alright!
Mark Wiens recently posted..Photo Favorite: Bowl of Deep Fried Snacks
I’ve been to Florida about 20 times and still haven’t made it to Key West. Definitely have to get there soon! Thanks for the reminder.
50+ and on the Run recently posted..Incurable Amnesia–I Like it!
When you are a tourist or even if it is your home town – go for it – I had to go there by car having been there by cruise ship 10 + years before – it was a steady flow of people
eileen ludwig recently posted..Lunch Date Harry Potter Three Broomsticks Universal Orlando Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Yes, I like tourist attractions.
What a strange tourist attraction! If i’m every in Key West it definitely looks like the kind of thing I’ll need to take my picture next to! Thanks for the article.
-Gaby
Gaby recently posted..Downtown Beirut/Beyrouth Centreville
You can’t go to Key West without taking a pic here!