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Big Betsy the Lobster

Islamorada, Monroe County
ROADSIDE GIANT
6STRANGENESS
OUT OF TEN

WHAT IT IS

A 30-foot fibreglass spiny lobster looming over US-1 at the Rain Barrel Village.

Richard Blaze built her in 1985 out of steel and fibreglass as a tribute to the Keys' seafood industry, and she has been the definitive Overseas Highway photograph ever since. She has survived every hurricane since Georges by being extremely heavy. The craft village behind her sells hot sauce and wind chimes.

HOW IT SCORES

Rarity5/10
Is there anywhere else like it?
Backstory6/10
How did this come to be?
Disrepair6/10
What is holding it together?
Commitment8/10
How far do they take the bit?

NEARBY

The African Queen17 mi · Key Largo Jules' Undersea Lodge17 mi · Key Largo Christ of the Abyss26 mi · Key Largo

BEFORE YOU DRIVE

ENTRY FEE
Free
HOURS
Always
BEST TIME
Golden hour, from the northbound shoulder.
HOW LONG
10 minutes
PARKING
Small lot at Rain Barrel
PAYMENT
Free
ACCESS
Flat
COORDINATES
24.9153° N, 80.6350° W

US-1 at mile marker 86.7, bayside. You will see her before you read this.

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DETAILS COMPILED FROM PUBLISHED SOURCES. FEES CHANGE. CALL AHEAD.