Zero Mile Marker

Key West Mile 0 is not just a point on a map, but an iconic symbol and a popular tourist attraction located in Key West, Florida, USA. This is where the famous US Route 1 begins, stretching across the entire eastern part of the country to the border with Canada. This spot attracts travelers from all over the world who want to commemorate the beginning or the end of their great American adventure.

The main element of the attraction is a road sign with the simple inscription "Mile 0." It symbolizes the starting point of the legendary US Route 1, which connects the south and north of the United States' East Coast for thousands of miles. A photo with this sign is a must-do for many visitors to the city.

Not far from the "Mile 0" sign, on Whitehead Street, is another iconic landmark—a colorful concrete buoy. It proudly proclaims: "Southernmost Point Continental U.S.A. 90 Miles to Cuba." With its distinctive red, black, and yellow color scheme and symbolic significance, this buoy has become one of the most photographed spots in Key West, representing the city's unique geographical location.

Since Key West Mile 0 is a public monument, it does not have specific contact details. For up-to-date tourist information about Key West, including tips for visiting Mile 0 and other attractions, it is recommended to contact local tourist information centers or visit the city's official website.

Visiting Key West Mile 0 is, first and foremost, an opportunity to capture yourself with the iconic symbols of this location. The primary activity for most tourists is a photo session at the famous "Mile 0" road sign, which officially marks the start of the renowned US Route 1. Equally popular is the colorful buoy located nearby, which proudly marks the southernmost point of the continental USA. Taking a commemorative photo here is a way to mark your visit to a truly iconic place.

Beyond photography, Key West Mile 0 offers a unique experience. It is a chance to pause for a moment and feel as though you are at the edge of a vast continent, imagining the thousands of miles of road beginning right here. You can observe the lively atmosphere created by fellow travelers and soak in the spirit of Key West. Many find this spot inspiring, symbolizing the start of new adventures or the conclusion of a long journey.

There are several ways to reach Key West Mile 0, located in the heart of Key West, each interesting in its own way. The most famous and scenic route is a drive along the legendary **Overseas Highway** (Overseas Highway), which is part of US Route 1. This highway, stretching across numerous islands and bridges, connects mainland Florida with the Florida Keys archipelago, ending right in Key West.

For those who prefer to save time, the island of Key West has its own international airport, receiving flights from various cities across the USA. If you choose to travel by car, for example from Miami, be prepared for a fascinating journey of approximately 256 kilometers. This trip usually takes between 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic, and runs through the entire picturesque chain of the Florida Keys, including well-known spots like Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine, and the Lower Keys.

Once you are in Key West, finding Mile 0 is easy, as it is one of the city's most famous and visited landmarks. It is located at the intersection of Whitehead Street and Fleming Street. The sign can be easily reached on foot if you are staying in the central part of Key West, or by taking a local taxi. Additionally, city buses run routes that pass near the attraction. If traveling by rental car, please keep in mind that parking in popular tourist areas may be limited.

The name of the city of Key West itself, home to Key West Mile 0, carries an intriguing history. It originates from the Spanish expression "cayo hueso," which translates to "Bone Island." According to historical records, the first Europeans to arrive on the island found many bones here. It is suggested that these were either remains from ancient battles between Native American tribes or ancient burial grounds washed out by the ocean. Over time, the Spanish name "Cayo Hueso" evolved into the more familiar English "Key West."

Key West Mile 0 is the official starting point of the famous **US Route 1** (US Route 1). This highway is not just a road but a vital transportation artery connecting the Florida Keys archipelago with the mainland USA. Notably, for its final 70 miles (about 112 km), the highway becomes one continuous bridge running over the open sea, linking the islands of the archipelago. Along this Overseas Highway, green "mile markers" are installed, counting down from mile 113 at the Miami-Dade and Monroe county line to the zero mark in Key West. These markers are frequently used as addresses throughout the Keys.

The city of Key West, where Key West Mile 0 is located, boasts more than just a unique geographical position—it is situated only 145 kilometers from northern Cuba, yet 256 kilometers from Miami International Airport. This is a place with a rich and vibrant history that has attracted many famous figures throughout various eras. Among them were writers who found inspiration here and created their most famous works, weaving the island's atmosphere into world literature.

To see Key West Mile 0 itself, take memorable photos by the famous "Mile 0" sign, and visit the nearby colorful buoy marking the southernmost point of the continental USA, you will need relatively little time—approximately 30 minutes to one hour. This is sufficient to view the markers and capture yourself in front of them.

However, to truly feel the atmosphere of this unique location and explore its surroundings, it is recommended to set aside more time. If you wish to do more than just "check off" the sign and instead stroll through the adjacent streets, perhaps visit souvenir shops or nearby cafes, you should plan for at least half a day. This will allow you to enjoy your time in Key West without rushing and fully soak up the spirit of this iconic landmark.

Key West Mile 0 consists of an iconic road sign and a buoy located in a public space. Because of this, access to the attraction is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and it can be visited at any time of the year. No special ticket booking or advance registration is required to see Mile 0, as it is a freely accessible site.

While you can see Key West Mile 0 at any time of the day or night, for the best photos, it is recommended to visit during daylight hours. Natural light will allow you to take bright and clear pictures of this iconic spot. No special permits for photography are required.

Visiting Key West Mile 0 is undoubtedly a landmark event for any traveler in Key West. However, to ensure your introduction to this unique USA city is truly complete, we recommend not limiting yourself to just this famous marker. Exploring the area around Mile 0 can significantly enrich your experience and reveal new facets of this wonderful place.

In the immediate vicinity of this iconic spot, you will find many other interesting sites—from cozy cafes and bars to historical buildings and other attractions, each reflecting the unique spirit of Key West in its own way. A short walk will allow you to dive deeper into the island's atmosphere and take home even more vivid memories.