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John Pennekamp State Park

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Welcome to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

The first undersea park in the U.S., John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles. While the mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks in the park's upland areas offer visitors a unique experience, it is the coral reefs and their associated marine life that bring most visitors to the park. Many enjoy the view of the reef from a glass-bottom boat tour, but visitors can get a closer look by scuba diving or snorkeling.

Canoeing and kayaking through the park's waters are popular activities; fishing is permitted in designated areas. Visitors can enjoy walking on short trails, picnicking, or swimming at the beach. The Visitor Center has a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and nature videos are shown in its theater. Full-facility and Youth/Group campsites are available. Beach wheelchairs are available without cost.

Free 24 hour WI-FI at Concession Building and Dive Shop Building.

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The first undersea park in the U.S., John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles. While the mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks in the park's upland areas offer visitors a unique experience, it is the coral reefs and their associated marine life that bring most visitors to the park.

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Long Key State Park

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Shopping & Snacks

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Iconic Landmark

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A rooster crows in the distance. A palm tree sways. A tourist hands me his camera in front of a concrete marker on the corner of Whitehead and South Streets.

For the record, I am taking the photograph at 24 degrees 33 minutes north latitude and 81 degrees 45 minutes - it's supposed to be the Key West southernmost point of the continental United States, though some argue it really isn't. We like to argue in Key West.

At dawn, tourists begin lining up for pictures next to the red, white and black buoy that marks the southernmost spot. At sunset the line still snakes down the block, though this being Key West, most tourists have traded their coffee for something boozier.

"I always wanted to come here,'' Baltimore's Eric Scott tells me on one of those balmy mornings for which Key West tourists pay plenty. "It's cool to be this far south.''

When I was a boy, my dad played piano at a honky tonk somewhere on Duval. During the day we fished from the seawall at the southernmost point.

It was a crowded place back then, too, but more commercial. I remember seeing the African-Bahamian Julian "Yankee" Kee, who peddled grunt and snapper, lobster and conch shells from a worn out card table. After the old man died, I remember seeing his grandson, Albert, a preacher known in Key West as the Bishop, famous for waving to tourists and blowing on a Conch shell as if it were Louis Armstrong's trumpet. That part of the southernmost point is gone now, though a bronze statue of the Bishop tells the old history.

Key West's southernmost point is located in an old Key West neighborhood, where residents sometimes stand in their yards and behold the passing humanity. One time I stopped to chat with Rita Castillo, who told me about the favorite conversations she'd had with tourists excited to be at the southernmost spot in the continental U.S.

"Which direction is Cuba?'' someone asked her.

"South. Ninety miles away,'' Rita answered.

"I can't see anything but ocean,'' complained the tourist.

"To see Cuba you would have to have vision better than 20/20," Rita explained.

Ah, Key West.

When you go...
Southernmost Point
Whitehead Street and South Street, , FL 33040
(305) 809-3700

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The Florida Keys: The Southernmost Point in Key West | VISIT FLORIDA

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A rooster crows in the distance. A palm tree sways. A tourist hands me his camera in front of a concrete marker on the corner of Whitehead and South Streets.

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Among the Mangrove Forests

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Great Trails

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Power Boat Rentals

There is nothing like the beauty of the open ocean on a tranquil day in the Florida Keys. Our fleet of power boats affords our guests the option to relax on the reefs, fish, scuba dive, or simply cruise the clear blue-green waters of the Atlantic. Our new new fleet of Release rental boats features 21 ft semi-V center consoles powered by the reliable and quiet four stroke 150 hp Yamaha outboards. Our boats feature T-tops and are well equipped for maritime safety. Price includes fuel.

Boating
A boat ramp is available at the marina ($10.00). Boaters should always exercise caution in shallow reef areas and when approaching any area where there are Diver Down flags, moored boats or swimmers. Never anchor in coral. Always obtain a navigation chart before departing for open water. Combustible engines are not permitted in nearshore areas of the park which are less than four feet deep.

Boat Slips and Moorings are available for overnight rental. Slips are located in the marina and include water and electric with bathroom and shower facilities nearby. Moorings are located in Largo Sound with dinghy dockage at the marina. Both include full use of the park facilities, trash disposal, and pump out. Reservations recommended. Call (305)451-6325 or VHF Channel 16.

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Kayaking, Paddleboarding and Canoeing | Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

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There is nothing like the beauty of the open ocean on a tranquil day in the Florida Keys. Our fleet of power boats affords our guests the option to relax on the reefs, fish, scuba dive, or simply cruise the clear blue-green waters of the Atlantic.