The Story Behind Key West's Famous

Southernmost Point Buoy

If you've ever visited Key West, chances are you've waited in line to snap a photo at the iconic Southernmost Point Buoy. Painted in bright red, black, and yellow and proudly declaring "90 Miles to Cuba," it's one of the most recognizable landmarks in Florida.

But did you know the buoy hasn't always been there?

Here's the fascinating story behind one of Key West's most photographed attractions.

Before the Buoy

Long before the colorful concrete buoy became a Key West icon, the location at the corner of Whitehead Street and South Street was marked by a simple wooden sign identifying it as the southernmost point of the continental United States.

There was just one problem—the sign kept disappearing.

Whether stolen as a souvenir or damaged over time, the wooden marker proved difficult for the city to maintain. Officials realized they needed something much more permanent.

The Birth of the Southernmost Point Buoy

In 1983, the City of Key West unveiled the Southernmost Point Buoy that visitors know today.

Rather than building a traditional monument, workers used a large section of concrete sewer main as the foundation for the structure. The massive concrete marker stands approximately 12 feet tall and 7 feet wide, making it nearly impossible to move.

Local artists Danny Acosta and Henry Del Valle painted the buoy in its now-famous red, yellow, and black color scheme, creating a landmark that would soon become synonymous with Key West itself.

More than 40 years later, the design remains largely unchanged.

Is It Really the Southernmost Point?

This surprises many visitors: technically, no.

The buoy marks the southernmost publicly accessible point in the continental United States.

The actual southernmost point of Key West lies a little farther south on property owned by the U.S. Navy at Naval Air Station Key West. Since the area isn't open to the public, the city placed the monument at the closest location visitors can freely access.

So while the buoy isn't the absolute southernmost point, it is the southernmost place where everyone can stand and enjoy the view.

Why Does It Say "90 Miles to Cuba"?

The phrase "90 Miles to Cuba" has become almost as famous as the buoy itself.

Interestingly, those words weren't originally painted on the monument. Early on, they appeared on a separate sign next to the marker before eventually becoming part of the buoy's design.

The actual distance from Key West to Cuba is closer to 94 miles, but "90 Miles to Cuba" became the memorable slogan that captured visitors' imaginations and has remained ever since.

A Symbol of Key West

Over the decades, the Southernmost Point Buoy has become far more than just a landmark. It's a symbol of the island's quirky personality, rich history, and unique location at the end of the Overseas Highway.

The buoy has weathered tropical storms, hurricanes, and millions of visitors. Following Hurricane Irma in 2017, the monument received a fresh restoration, and during nearby seawall improvements in recent years, a temporary replica stood in its place so visitors could continue enjoying one of Key West's most beloved photo opportunities.

Today, it's estimated that more than one million people visit the Southernmost Point Buoy each year, making it one of the most photographed landmarks in Florida.

A Must-See Stop in Key West

Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, the Southernmost Point Buoy remains a must-see destination. It represents the spirit of Key West—historic, colorful, a little quirky, and unlike anywhere else in the country.

So the next time you stand in line for that famous photo, you'll know you're looking at much more than a painted buoy. You're standing at a landmark that tells the story of Key West's creativity, resilience, and enduring charm.

Thinking about making Key West home?

As local Realtors who live and work in the Lower Keys, we love sharing the stories that make our island so special. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply curious about life in paradise, we're here to help.

Visit KeyWestSisters.com to browse available homes, explore our local guides, and learn more about living in beautiful Key West.