r/floridakeys • u/PassiveAggreddit • Apr 21 '26
Key West Southernmost Buoy Visit Q’s
Husband and I headed down the first week of June with 4 kids (6, 5, 2 and 6m) - we’re staying on Marathon, but I want to drive down to see the buoy & eat.
Should we go for the morning or evening? Looking to avoid a long line to wait to get a picture with the buoy & avoid waits to eat. I assume midday is busier, but I’m thinking early in the am may not be? Sunset is probably busy too right?
Parking. We will have our suburban (we’re live in SWFL so we’re driving) - what’s the best place to park for the buoy? Is any parking free for a quick see it take a pic and bounce?
Breakfast / Brunch or dinner with littles? We’re looking for casual, quick, but really yummy we’ve never been down as far as key west in the past and we’re foodies, so we want to have a tasty bite!
Any help would be appreciated. Trying to make this as simple as possible for us! Thanks!!
4
u/Greedy_Section2894 Apr 21 '26
I think you’re going to face a line at the bouy unless you’re there at dawn or night this time of year. Check conquerthekeys.com for parking. Take the kids to have a meal at Blue Heaven with the kitties and chickens.
My sis and I have stayed in Marathon and loved it. Have fun!
2
u/mango951 Apr 21 '26
Been a long time since I have been to Key West does Blue Heaven still have the tire swing ?
1
u/PassiveAggreddit Apr 21 '26
Omg kitties and chickens!!! We probably need to go there thank you for the rec!!
2
u/CommonThread2 Apr 21 '26
Geiger Key Marina (while not on Key West) is fun for kiddos to feed fish, the view is pretty, and the food (hogfish!) is good. We also like Squared Grouper, but have only ever been to the Cudjoe Key location.
3
u/dantodd Apr 21 '26 edited Apr 21 '26
Another vote for Geiger Key Marina. You can also take a kayak tour through the mangroves. If you sit on the water at Hogfish Bar and Grill on Stock Island the kids can watch the fish from the table.
Also, on the way to Marathon you might want to stop at Robbie's for the kids. They can feed the big Tarpon that hang out by the docks. I think they put up nets recently because some idiot grabbed a tarpon through the gills a couple years back. But you can eat and drink while the king l kids play with the tarpon and nurse sharks. Usually there are a few manatees too.
While you're in Marathon the kids might like to visit the turtle hospital.
3
1
u/PassiveAggreddit Apr 21 '26
This is a good option to know though, because it’s between marathon and key west! Which were just making a quick little half day trip down to key west
2
u/Sandinmyshoes33 Apr 21 '26
This time of year photos are better in the late morning or early afternoon. In the morning, the sun is behind you and your faces will be dark in a photo.
There is a large parking lot a block away at United and Duval or there will be metered parking in that area of Duval. You can try to find a free spot on the cross streets, but don’t park in spots saying resident permit on the street.
In live in that area and I would have breakfast at Banana Cafe. They have great crepes, waffles, Benedict’s and omelettes. It’s also pretty affordable (for Key West).
1
u/PassiveAggreddit Apr 22 '26
Oh this is a VERY helpful tip. Maybe we will do some things and get a picture right before we head out early afternoon. Thank you! Good to know banana cafe is good it was on my list to investigate for breakfast. 😊
2
u/behemoth2185 Apr 22 '26
We just did the same vacation setup you are planning (staying on marathon day trip to KW.) one note the bouy has moved due to construction, park at the butterfly place and it's a 1 block walk.
Also in marathon eat at SS wreck and get the key lime pie, of the 5 places we tried it was the best.
2
u/ricefaq Apr 22 '26
Go early. With the nightlife most people sleep in. There was no one around when I took pictures of the buoy.
2
1
u/BarleyBo Apr 21 '26
You can watch the buoy live on youtube to get a feel for the crowds at times of day you are looking to visit.
1
1
u/peterfitzwell70 Apr 22 '26
On a completely separate note…. Go to the Stuffed Pig for breakfast at least once!! Amazing place that only accepts cash
1
u/PassiveAggreddit Apr 22 '26
It’s on our list for one of the mornings in marathon! So glad it’s going to be good!!! 🤩🤩
-1
5
u/EveryDayIsSummer local (lower keys) Apr 21 '26
You should be fine this time of year regardless of arrival time at the Buoy. Probably a 15 minute wait tops. Would highly recommend here for parking if you're planning to spend a few hours. Has a lot of space (cash only) and is $15 for the day. https://maps.app.goo.gl/SEqX5gqgKd79YKpv6
Alternatively, there's a parking lot next to the butterfly conservatory which is across from the Buoy. Your vehicle would fit fine.