Top 5 Best Places for Sightseeing

“it's time to buzz the tower"

Once upon a time, in the land of sunshine and sea breeze, there was a group of adventurous travelers who sought to capture the essence of their magical vacation. With their cameras at the ready, they set out to explore the wondrous sights of the southernmost point in the US – Key West.  Are you ready because we have created a list of the top 5 best places to sightsee and take photographs.

1. Southernmost Point Buoy

The Southernmost Point Buoy, located in Key West, Florida, is without a doubt the most popular landmark for tourists to capture in photographs. This artificial concrete buoy, although it may appear to float, is anchored and made out of cement. It proudly signifies the southernmost point of the continental United States, representing the lowest latitude of any land in the contiguous North American states. Standing at a height of 18 feet above sea level, this eye-catching buoy was designated as a tourist attraction by the city in 1983. You should anticipate waiting in line for approximately 30 minutes to have your turn to capture this iconic image for a selfie!

2. Mallory Square for Sunset

Since the early 1820s, Mallory Square has served as the central point for Key West's social and commercial activities. Over time, it has gained immense popularity as a renowned destination in the United States for witnessing breathtaking sunsets. As dusk approaches, Mallory Square comes alive with a vibrant celebration dedicated to observing the sunset. Delight in an array of food and craft carts, be entertained by various performers, and join countless individuals who gather in the square to relish the beauty of the setting sun.

3. “0” Mile Marker

Situated at the intersection of Fleming Street and Whitehead Street, you'll find the renowned US1 mile marker "0" in Key West. This marker signifies the conclusion of US1, a road commencing 2300 hundreds of miles north in 2,370 miles (3,810 km) to Fort Kent, Maine. Interestingly, this particular mile marker holds the dubious honor of being the most frequently pilfered highway sign in the entire United States. However, if you harbor any desire to possess the genuine marker for display in your dormitory or residence, it's crucial to note that doing so would constitute a fourth-degree offense, carrying the potential consequences of imprisonment for up to 18 months and fines reaching a maximum of $10,000.

4. Boca Chica Park US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets Fighter Jet Flyovers

Key West has a hidden gem that often goes unnoticed by tourists - the Naval Air Station, led by the amazing Capt. Elizabeth "Beth" Regoli. The base is home to some of the most talented Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen in the world. It boasts an incredible Tactical Combat Training System (TCTS), like the one in the iconic movie "Top Gun," which tracks and records aerial maneuvers. As if that's not impressive enough, NAS Key West also hosts various tenant activities, including the Joint Interagency Task Force South, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Army Special Forces Underwater Training School, among others. But wait, there's more! You can see US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets Fighter jets launch off of Runway 32 chasing the bad guys flying very loud F-5 Tiger II.  This place off the end of Boca Chica Road, you can park the Boca Chica Beach Park and walk about 150 yards – Bam! Watch these 1190 mph $55 million dollar plans fly right over your heads (Launch times are at 8:30 am). So why not make your next Key West adventure even more memorable by checking out the Naval Air Station F/A-18 Super Hornets and witnessing some of the world's best pilots in action? It's an experience that will inspire you and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the men and women who stand ready, as we Conchs are only 90 miles away from Communism.

5. Key West Above Ground Graveyard

If you're in the mood for something eerie, creepy, and spine-chilling, I highly recommend paying a visit to the Key West above ground cemetery. It is one of only two cemeteries in the entire country that are built above the ground. (The other one can be found in New Orleans.) This cemetery came into existence in 1847 after a hurricane caused bodies to be displaced from their original burial site. While it is undeniably fascinating to explore, what truly sets this cemetery apart are its peculiar gravestone epitaphs.

Some notable one-liners include:

- "These People Are Horrible, Jesus Christ"

- "I'm Just Taking a Quick Nap"

- "A Devoted Fan of Singer Julio Iglesias"

- "If You're Reading This, You Seriously Need a Hobby"

- "I Always Dreamed of Having a Little Place in Key West"

- "Farewell and Thanks for All the Fish"

- "I Told You I Was Ill"

And let's not forget about the other intriguing inhabitants, such as "Sloppy" Joe Russell, a renowned local bar owner and fishing guide for Ernest Hemingway. There are also two British Royal Navy Officers who tragically lost their lives in a car accident while on leave. Since they were not on duty, their families had to bear the cost of transportation, which unfortunately, they couldn't afford. Lastly, there's very creepy, chilling, and true tale involving Count Carl Von Cosel, who actually stole and preserved the body of Elena Milagro Hoyos from this very cemetery. The Count was able to preserve Elena's body for seven years by using a mixture of beeswax, silk, and cosmetics. During this time, he kept her in his bed, still dressed in her wedding gown. However, when her family discovered this shocking truth, they immediately took action and reburied Elena in a hidden location, ensuring that Count Fucking Wacko would never be able to locate her again. Have fun exploring this ghoulie graveyard.

Finding The Best Places for Photos

To make your vacation adventures a “Kodak moment”, we've included a map showcasing the locations of the top photo sites around Key West. Simply reference the map below snap snap snap!

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Thank you, JBE