The Southern most point is not exactly what its name suggests nor is it exactly 10 miles from Cuba; but not that it makes a difference to the thousands who visit it each year. Marked by the famous concrete buoy, the Southern Most point is something you can’t miss before stepping out of the Conch Republic. Located on the intersection of Whitehead street and South street, the multicolored buoy was originally a dug up sewer junction. Too massive to move and to counter the constant disappearances of temporary markers, the junction was painted to look like a buoy. Little did the citizens know, that years later it would manifest the spot as the Southern Most point of Continental America and bring in an out pour of tourists as a popular bucket-list destination.

The Southern Most point buoy that reads “90 Miles from Cuba”, is a ten minute tourist spot. Perennially crowded with people trying to snap a picture with the buoy against the ethereal blue ocean, the scene here is quite merry with tourists clicking pictures for each other and making small talk. Early mornings, that is shortly after sunrise and in the evenings once the crowds have shifted to Mallory Square for the sunset celebration, are ideal times to visit here if you’re looking to avoid crowds. The weather is usually hot and sticky, so do not hesitate to get yourself a coconut from the vendors around. If you have time on your hand while visiting Southern Most point buoy, you may also check out the Butterfly museum or take a walk down the Upper Duval street in the vicinity.

The crowds pick up during the Cruise ship docking period, however the Southern Most point could be a worthy and quick pit-stop on your way to the cruise. The Southern Most point is not technically the Southern Most point of America, but over decades has come to be a part of popular American culture that people have come to love and take pride in.