history miami stiltsville tour

• Departs From: Coconut Grove

Stiltsville Guided Tour From Coconut Grove

Experience historic stiltsville.

Quick Details

Departure Location: Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove, FL

Duration: 2 hours

Start Time: 12:30 PM & 3:00 PM

Available Days: Thursday-Sunday

Age Limit: All ages are welcomed! Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Important Information:

• Please allow yourself extra time to arrive at this location as traffic around the city may delay your arrival time to our dock location.
• Before completing your booking, make sure to read our Cancellation Policy .
• Please read all information below including the drop down menus to learn more about this trip.

Journey through the northern most part of Biscayne National Park to the six alluring historic Stiltsville Houses that appear to be floating on the Bay, just one mile off of the coast line. Learn about the rich history of this area of Miami and Biscayne National Park.

Departing from Dinner Key Marina in Miami’s Coconut Grove, Stiltsville tours will take you for an up-close look at the village in the bay. You’ll see that each house has it’s own unique character and story. Stiltsville is a reminder of the time when this area was known to be the playground for the wealthy. On this 2-hour boat cruise, you too can experience what draws people to these legendary waters. This is an experience that the whole family will enjoy.

• Thursday – Sunday: 12:30 PM-2:30 PM and 3:00 PM-5:00 PM
• Advance reservations are advised for this tour, no cash is accepted on site .

Departs from Dinner Key Marina. 3400 Pan American Dr, Miami, FL 33133.

The tours and activities departing from Dinner Key Marina are possible thanks to a partnership between Biscayne National Park, the Florida National Parks Association, City of Miami, and the Miami-Dade County Parks Recreation and Open Spaces Department.

• Chevron down Departure and Check-In Location

This program Departs from Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove at 3400 Pan American Drive, Miami 33133. To ensure a smooth and timely departure, we ask that visitors plan to arrive at the dock location 30 minutes before the scheduled trip.

Please be aware that traffic conditions closer to Downtown Miami can vary, giving yourself ample time for travel is advised to avoid any delays. To account for potential traffic delays, the recommendation is to give yourself at least 1 hour of buffer time, especially during peak traffic hours. This precautionary measure ensures that visitors have extra time to navigate through any unexpected traffic situations, allowing you to arrive at Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove with ease.

Check out our  Transportation Page to learn more about transportation options for this location.

 The boat is docked at Pier 9 between Miami Watersports and the sign for Pier 7. Look for the Biscayne National Park Institute signage. See confirmation email for more detailed directions. Upon arrival, check in with your Captain/Naturalist.

• Chevron down Parking Location

Please note: You will have to pay for parking at this location.

• There’s also a paid parking lot between Pan American Dr. and Regatta Park. This lot is limited to 4-hours.

Important Note: Visitors are advised that on certain days and time of day, parking availability at our departure location in Coconut Grove may be limited. To ensure a hassle-free experience, we recommend to opt for ride-share options such as Uber or Lyft. This will help mitigate potential challenges associated with limited close by parking availability.

• Chevron down Participant Requirements

This Biscayne cruise is great for all ages. We do ask to keep an eye on younger passengers in your group to ensure everyone’s safety.

All minors must be accompanied by an adult.

This program has movements that could cause problems for pregnant women, those with recent surgeries or back injuries, and can cause motion/sea sickness. To best accommodate you and make your trip safe and enjoyable, please make a note in your reservation or privately notify our captain or mate if:

• You have any recent surgeries
• You have any back injuries
• You have any medical conditions
• You are prone to motion/sea sickness
• You are pregnant
• You have any other concerns regarding your safety and health
• Chevron down What to Bring

We recommend that you bring along the following:

• Water Bottle
• Reef safe sunscreen
• Light jacket

On windy days, water might splash in to the boat. We recommend storing any valuables in a waterproof bag.

• Chevron down Equipment and Boat

What equipment is provided during the program?  

• Life jackets can be provided if requested. There are emergency life jackets on the boat.

Boat Information

• The boat will have a max of 40 passengers. This boat does have a small bathroom for emergency use. During the trip, the boat stays in the bay the whole time, this will lessen the chance of motion sickness. This trip will not stop at any of the islands.

While cruising in the bay, especially on a windy day, there’s a chance that water will splash into the boat; we highly suggest storing anything that you don’t wish to get wet in a drybag.

• Chevron down Important Medical and Liability Release Information and Waivers

Online waivers will be sent with the booking confirmation. No printing necessary. You can even complete the waivers on your phone! Adults over the age of 18 must complete and submit their own waiver. Minors ages 17 and younger must have a parent or legal guardian complete and submit a waiver on behalf of the minor. For snorkeling activities there are separate waivers for adults and minors, please be sure you are completing the appropriate waiver. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. To complete the waiver process, you will need to confirm your email address through and email that will be sent by Smartwaiver.

• Chevron down Additional Questions

Is there a place on the boat to hold my stuff?  

• You can keep items on the boat during your excursion but there is a possibility of them getting wet during the trip, we ask that you use a dry bag and keep personal belongings hidden inside of your vehicles.  

Is this a glass bottom boat?

• This is not a glass bottom boat, but in shallow areas the seagrass will be visible from the side of the boat. This trip will not go out to the ocean side, coral reef barriers will not be seen.

What is a Naturalist?    

• Our tour guides, Naturalists, are continuous students of the natural world and provide interpretive, educational, and historical programs in South Florida’s National Parks. Each are trained by the National Park Service to ensure they are equipped with and can provide the most up to date information, research, and opportunities when connecting with guests.   

What does interpretation mean?  

• Interpretation is a purposeful form of communication that seeks to translate the world around us. Our Naturalists help interpret the natural environment, history, research, etc. to support guests in broadening their perspectives, deepening their understanding, and inspiring them to cultivate meaningful connections with South Florida’s National Parks.  

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Miami’s Stiltsville: See it by boat on tours in Biscayne National Park

By: Author Bonnie Gross

Posted on Last updated: January 16, 2024

Folks love Stiltsville – it captures our imagination and it always has.

From tales of gambling and debauchery in the 1930s to ‘60s, to appearances on Miami Vice in the ‘80s to mentions in Carl Hiaassen novels, Stiltsville in Miami has represented the wild and kooky side of Miami.

A Stiltsville tour by boat is the best way to learn about the six remaining houses, built on stilts in Biscayne Bay a mile from land in Miami that are now part of Biscayne National Park. (Sadly, a seventh house burned down in early 2021.) 

Biscayne National Park and Biscayne National Park Institute offers regular two-hour Stiltsville guided historic tours for by boat, with a well-informed and entertaining guide. The tours are $66 per person. This tour leaves from Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove and is available on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday most weeks.

A new tour, kayaking the seagrasses around Stiltsville , is not a guided historic tour, but it allows you to experience the Stiltsville area in the bay up close. It is offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. for $99 per person. Participants don’t paddle out to Stiltsville; they leave from Dinner Key Marina and board kayaks in the water near Stiltsville. Details are here.

Here are details and reservati ons for the tours.

Stiltsville Miami tour tells the story (and the myth)

The first houses in Stiltsville were boats purposely run aground in the shallow sea grass in the 1930s. At the first of these “Crawfish Eddie Walker” sold bait, beer and chowder from his shack, which has been gone for 70 years, thanks to a 1950 hurricane.

Other buildings followed and, at the peak of activity in 1960, there were 27. During those mid-century years, Stiltsville got its rowdiest reputation, and you have to wonder what was true what was hype.

The famous example was the Bikini Club, where alcohol flowed and women in bikinis drank free – or so the story goes. The club was raided in 1965 for lacking a liquor license and was destroyed by Hurricane Betsy and a fire in 1966. And still, feature stories about the Bikini Club continued, years after it was gone.

Some Stiltsville homes were and continue to be weekend getaways and fishing shacks, often for prominent Miami figures. (Governor Leroy Collins was a frequent visitor.)

When the National Park Service area expanded to include the remaining Stiltsville buildings in 1980, existing leases on the buildings in Stiltsville were honored. When they expired in 1999, however, the park service planned to remove the six Stiltsville buildings that had survived Hurricane Andrew to return the national park to its natural state.

Miami rallied to “Save Stiltsville” with thousands signing petitions. The park service reversed its decision and today the six buildings can remain as long as they survive as safe structures. If a house is more than 50 percent destroyed by a hurricane or fire, it will be removed, as happened with a fire in 2021.

The Stiltsville boat tour

For years, Biscayne National Park offered no way to see Stiltsville and, if you didn’t own a boat, the best you could do was peer through binoculars from the Cape Florida Lighthouse on the tip of Key Biscayne.

In recent years, however, the non-profit Biscayne National Park Institute began tours, which now depart from Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove.

The tours are on a covered boat with a bathroom. A well-trained volunteer guide provides extensive background and history of not only Stiltsville, but of Biscayne Bay. (I never knew Ponce De Leon sailed through Biscayne Bay!) On the day we took the tour, the guide was Certified Florida Master Naturalist who added his own lifetime experiences paddling, snorkeling and boating on the bay.

The two-hour Stiltsville tour takes you close to the Cape Florida Lighthouse and all six of the Stiltsville Miami houses. In the distance, you can see the Fowey Rocks Lighthouse and Soldier Key, a tiny island that unbelievably was the site of Henry Flagler’s Soldier Key Club in 1904.

All the while, your view includes postcard-worthy vistas of the Miami skyline in the distance.

The Stiltsville Miami houses are not clustered closely together. Some look almost abandoned, with rotting wood and peeling paint. Others are clearly prized and cared for, like the home leased by Miami Springs Powerboat Club, which has docks for many boats and is in excellent condition.

The idea of Stiltsville may be better than the reality of staying in one of the houses – with no AC and rudimentary facilities, staying there is like camping.

Still, with the vast and spectacular clouds and the Caribbean blue water all around, it’s easy to see why we’re still fascinated by Stiltsville.

Details of the Stiltsville Miami tour

You can reserve your spot on a Stiltsville guided historic tour here.

At two hours, the leisurely paced tour may tax the patience of children. Its focus is on history and nature. You may get lucky and see dolphins and birds. We saw manatees in  June – not prime manatee viewing time.

Even on a summer day when land temperatures hit 88, the boat tour was pleasant because of the sea breeze and movement of the boat.

Most of the seating is in the shade, but there are some full-sun seats. If shade is a concern, arrive a little early to make sure you don’t end up there. On our tour, the folks who sat there wanted the sun.

Another Stiltsville Miami tour

An alternative to this boat tour is offered by Ocean Force Adventures , which operates out of Miami Beach Marina and primarily serves visitors staying in nearby hotels. At $129-$169 per person, this tour is a small group excursion (six people on a 30-foot Zodiac) that covers a variety of waterfront sites in Miami including Stiltsville, which owner Kim Falconer calls “the star” of the tour.

Can you visit a Stiltsville house?

All six of the houses have “no trespassing” signs with a $5,000 fine listed. (However, we saw several houses where boaters seemed to be trespassing.)

As public facilities, two of the Stiltsville houses in better condition are available for “public events.” In the past, owners of the leases have allowed youth groups to visit.

Stiltsville tour locations

Deering Estate 16701 SW 72 Ave., Miami, FL 33157

Dinner Key Marina.  The dock is located directly next to the Miami City Hall on its northside before Pier 1. 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, FL 33133.

Useful links

• Biscayne National Park Institute boat tours, including Stiltsville tour
• Biscayne National Park official site
• Florida Rambler guide to Biscayne National Park boat trips
• Deering Estate official site
• Florida Rambler on Deering Estate
• Biscayne National Park trips to snorkel a shipwreck.

Things to do near Stiltsville, Miami

• If you’re driving to Biscayne National Park, you may want to keep going to explore the Florida Keys. Our  Florida Keys mile-marker guide  is an ideal companion to a roadtrip.
• Everglades National Park is 20 minutes away from the Deering Estate. Here are our tips for visiting  Everglades National Park. In winter, a free trolley connects the two national parks and the city of Homestead.
• Robert is Here  is a great stop in Homestead for milkshakes (key lime passion fruit!) plus exotic fruit and variety of farm animals.
• Drive down scenic Card Sound Road and discover  Alabama Jack’s, a classic Keys tiki bar  known for its conch fritters.
• An attraction that belongs on the Florida funky hall of fame:  Coral Castle Museum , is minutes away.

The author, Bonnie Gross, travels with her husband David Blasco, discovering off-the-beaten path places to hike, kayak, bike, swim and explore. Florida Rambler was founded in 2010 by Bonnie and fellow journalist Bob Rountree, two long-time Florida residents who have spent decades exploring the Florida outdoors. Their articles have been published in the Sun Sentinel, the Miami Herald, the Orlando Sentinel, The Guardian and Visit Florida.

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Ramona Rung

Saturday 26th of September 2020

Our MIAMI (SNOW) SKI CLUB got scheduled for a few get-togethers at and on Stiltsville. We found it totally fascinating and, yes, bikinis were popular. (But ours did not meet up with the Bikini Club)

Chuck DePue

Saturday 13th of July 2019

I thought New Port Richey was the only Stiltsville. Maybe you could come explore ours as well and dig up all of it's similar history.

Stiltsville Miami Tours

Choose a Shared Small Group Tour or a Private Stiltsville Miami Boat Tour 

Shared – Small Group Boat Tours in Miami   Join our shared small group experience, designed for up to six passengers. It’s all about crafting an intimate and sociable ambiance, allowing you to connect with fellow travelers who share your passions and interests.

Private Miami Boat Tours   For those who cherish a more private and personalized Miami boat cruise, our private tour, also catering to up to six passengers, is the perfect choice. This option ensures exclusivity and the freedom to customize your Miami tour.

No matter which path you choose, we guarantee an engaging and unforgettable Miami boat ride to explore the city by water. Your Miami excursion, your way! 

How Do I Book a Tour to Stiltsville?

Booking your Stiltsville tour with Ocean Force Adventures is easy. Simply click on the “Book Now” link on this page and select the “Biscayne Bay Ultimate Miami Excursion + Stiltsville” tour option. Follow the straightforward booking process, choose your preferred date and time, and secure your spot.

What Happens with Bad Weather?

We want you to have a good experience. If weather forces tour cancellation will will try to reschedule your tour. If this is not possible, we will provide a full refund.

What Type of Boat is Used for this Excursion?

Our custom-built Zodiac RIB excursion boat is designed for your safety and comfort. This agile vessel allows us to get to far-reaching areas such as Stiltsville. You may have seen these boats in Hawaii or Alaska where they are used for whale watching or on a cruise where they are used for shallow water exploration.

What is Your Cancellation Policy?

BAD WEATHER? We Reschedule or Refund your tour.

NON-WEATHER CANCELLATIONS within 48-hours of tour will result in same-value voucher for use within 12 months of original reservation.

CANCELLATION PROTECTION allows refundable last minute cancellations for any reason up to 4 hours before your scheduled tour.

What’s Included in Your Miami Stiltsville Tour?

Your Miami Stiltsville tour includes the following:

• A comfortable and safe Zodiac RIB boat built for exploration.
• Knowledgeable and engaging local guides who will share fascinating stories.
• Opportunities to take stunning photos of the Miami skyline and Stiltsville.
• An unforgettable experience that blends sightseeing with history, culture, and a national park.
• A boat tour agency with a Biscayne National Park Permit enabling visits to Stiltsville houses
• Complimentary bottled water
• Group photos using your camera

What’s Not Included?

Your tour does not include the following:

• Food and other beverages.
• Gratuities for the crew are not included but are greatly appreciated.
• Parking at Miami Beach Marina
• Hotel Pickup/Drop-off

The Colorful History of Stiltsville Houses

With so many wonderful things to do in Florida , it’s a real treat to encounter a surprise like Stiltsville in Miami. Located in Biscayne National Park and nearby Key Biscayne, Stiltsville has a story as colorful as the houses themselves. Its origins trace back to the 1930s when Captain Eddie “Crawfish” Walker defied convention and built the first shack on stilts above the tranquil waters of Biscayne Bay. He started selling fishing supplies and beer out of his colorful shack and this marked the birth of a community like no other. Over the years, and because of its proximity to nearby Coconut Grove, more houses were constructed, including the famous Calvert Club, Bikini Club and the Quarterdeck Club.

As you cruise toward the unique houses and through Biscayne National Park, you’ll uncover tales of the past—stories of illegal alcohol during prohibition, Al Capone, gambling, and even police raids on clubs like the Bikini Club. During this era, Stiltsville wasn’t just a collection of shacks; it was a collection of characters and a place where celebrities, wealthy individuals, and even politicians sought refuge and recreation.

Exploring Stiltsville’s Artistic Side: The Space Invader Mosaics

While Stiltsville boasts an incredible Florida history, it also features a vibrant artistic touch and our boat tours will feature these artistic elements. Two mosaics created by the renowned international artist Space Invader adorn some of the houses. Followers of the artist come from all over the world to take our Miami boat tour and see the art pieces that were placed on houses as an art installation during the Miami Beach Art Basel event. These mosaics add a unique and modern twist to the historic structures, showcasing the dynamic blend of the past and present that defines Miami FL.

Top Rated Stiltsville Miami Tour!

So Incredibly Special

A guided excursion could take you to the most spectacular place on Earth, but it is the operator who really makes the memory. Feeling safe, having great photography ops, learning the legends and backstory, and finding hidden pockets to explore—these are the nuances of guiding that set great companies apart. And this is what made the experience aboard  Ocean Force exceptional.

Jonathon Irish, National Geographic Traveler

The Very Best Miami Beach Boat Tour

The best way to see Miami by sea is aboard one of Ocean Force Adventures’ Zodiac RIB boats. While you cruise through Biscayne Bay, your captain narrates the city’s history from original settlement to cocaine cowboys to Brickell’s boom. And the best bit is Stiltsville!

Paul Brady, Conde Nast

By Far the Best Tour I've Ever Been On

.: It’s easy to come up with superlatives. But the truth is that this is a different kind of tour. ‘Tour’ isn’t even the right word. It’s more like a cruise round Miami with a good friend. And this is exclusively down to the captain. He knows his stuff, and happy to veer off route when a pod of dolphins appeared. It’s simply a jaw-dropping spectacle from the water.

J. Roughetts, UK

Fascinating Facts About Stiltsville

• Stiltsville is located within Biscayne National Park, making it a unique part of this natural treasure and one of the most unique places we visit on our Miami boat tour.
• Most of the houses in Stiltsville border Biscayne Channel, which was once the primary access point to the bay for people going fishing or cruising on a Miami boat tour.
• South Florida historians believe that as early as 1922, there were approximately twelve “shacks” on the flats of Stiltsville and these were only accessible by boats.
• The Quarterdeck Club and Bikini Club, popular social spots, were featured in a Life magazine article in 1941.
• Hurricane Betsy in 1965 reduced the number of structures to only seventeen, but those with less than fifty percent damage were allowed to remain.
• Today, there are six houses still standing, each with its own unique story.

A Journey Worth Taking

At Ocean Force Adventures, we don’t offer just a boat tour; we provide an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression. Our boats are safe, secure, and comfortable. Book your “Biscayne Bay Ultimate Miami Excursion + Stiltsville” tour now and be a part of the story that makes Miami unique.

Miami had more than 26 million visitors in 2023, only a small part of that group has ever seen Stiltsville, dont’ be one of those visitors that miss this intriguing historical place! Join us, and let’s set sail on this remarkable journey together.

Book Your Stiltsville Adventure Now!

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Miami History: 3 Hour Stiltsville Tour and Biscayne Bay Cruise

Availability, what's included.

• Enjoy one complementary Capt Jimmy's Rum Punch or soda for the kids with each paid admission
• Gratuities are not included but appreciated by the crew!
• Additional drinks and snacks are available for purchase

Departure & return

Meeting point, return details, what to expect.

• This high bridge connects Key Biscayne to Miami (pass by)
• You'll have water views of Viscaya along the coast of Coconut Grove (pass by)
• These iconic amphibious homes are a highlight of the tour. (pass by)
• Learn the fascinating history of this lighthouse on the tip of Key Biscayne (pass by)
• Pass by the beautiful homes along the water, some with unique history (pass by)
• Watch the parasailors, windsurfers, yachts and more along this stretch of beach where dogs are allowed. Learn about the history of Miami Marine Stadium, Miami Seaquarium, and other notable places on this part of the cruise (pass by)

Additional info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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Biscayne National Park | STILTSVILLE GUIDED TOUR

• PARK AT A GLANCE
• VISITOR CENTER
• BOCA CHITA KEY
• ELLIOTT KEY
• STILTSVILLE
• BOAT LAUNCHES
• DIVING / SNORKELING
• HIKING TRAILS
• PICNIC AREAS
• TOURS / EXCURSIONS
• DIRECTIONS / CONTACT

Miami Springs Power Boat Club at Stiltsville in Biscayne National Park

Guided Tours Main Page

If you would like to see Stiltsville, a collection of houses built on stilts in Biscayne Bay, but don’t have a boat, you can take a 2-hour tour operated by the Biscayne National Park Institute. The tour is held on Thursdays through Sundays throughout the year. You can get the current tour fee and make a reservation on Biscayne National Park Institute’s Stiltsville Guided Tour web page.

Stiltsville is located in the northernmost section of Biscayne National Park, much closer to Miami than to the Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead. Because of this, the tour leaves from the Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove, which is 30 miles north of the Visitor Center. A drive between the two takes roughly an hour.

Before arriving at Stiltsville, the tour boat swings past the Cape Florida Lighthouse on Key Biscayne. The first lighthouse on this spot was built in 1825, and it had a very interesting history. In 1836, Seminole Indians attacked the lighthouse, setting it on fire with two people inside. One man was killed by a bullet, and the second, assistant lighthouse keeper John Thompson, decided to go out in a blaze of glory by dropping a keg of gunpowder from the balcony onto the fire below, hoping to kill as many Indians as possible and ending his own life, which at the time surely looked like it was going to be a death by fire. Instead, the explosion somewhat lessened the strength of the fire. The Indians assumed the two men were dead, and after ransacking the lightkeeper’s house, took off. A Navy ship heard the explosion and eventually rescued Thompson. The lighthouse was beyond repair, but due to continued fighting with the Seminoles, it wasn’t rebuilt until 1847. This is the lighthouse standing today, though it was made taller in 1855: it is 95 feet tall.

Cape Florida Lighthouse on Key Biscayne

There are six houses left standing in Stiltsville. A seventh, the Leshaw House, burned down on January 11, 2021, which was just two weeks before I did the tour. The current rule per a 2003 agreement with the National Park Service is that if a structure is damaged by more than 50 percent, it must be torn down and all remnants removed at the owner’s expense. However, the damage assessment is not limited to the house itself, but to the entire structure, including the pylons that the house was built on. Thus, if the pylon structure makes up more than 50 percent of the total structure and it can still support a house, it is possible that a new house can be built. At the time of this writing (March 2021), no decision on the fate of the Leshaw House has been made.

Remains of the Leshaw House in Stiltsville, Biscayne National Park

It is illegal to set foot on any of the Stiltsville structures without a permit, so the tour boat circles each of the remaining six houses while the tour guide gives the history of Stiltsville. Even so, it’s a pretty cool tour if you like history. Of all the tours I took while at Biscayne National Park, this is the only one that was fully booked (20 participants). This could be due to the draw of seeing a unique destination like Stiltsville, or it could be just because the tour is not offered daily. Regardless, if you are interested, be sure to book your tour as far in advance as possible.

For more photos and information about the history of Stiltsville, see the Stiltsville web page here on National Park Planner.

Bay Chateau at Stiltsville in Biscayne National Park

A-Frame House at Stiltsville in Biscayne National Park

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Tour of Stiltsville Video

An early morning video tour of stiltsville courtesy of dade heritage trust.

The small colorful houses that seem to float over the waters of Biscayne Bay more than a mile from shore, continue to intrigue locals and visitors alike.

The seven fragile looking Stiltsville house structures that remain today have weathered ferocioius hurricanes including Andrew in 1992 and later Wilma and Katrina. The houses are hardier than they appear and serve as a backdrop for an unusual history in Miami.

This early morning video tour of Stiltsville is a perfect example of why these colorful shacks are such an iconic part of Miami.

For More Information

To book a stiltsville tour.

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Stiltsville, The Abandoned Miami Town Built on Water

Posted: March 22, 2024 | Last updated: March 22, 2024

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Sold Out – Stiltsville & Key Biscayne Sunset Cruise with Dr. George

08/27/2022 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm.

Members: $85, Non-Members: $95, Children 12 & Under: $50 Meet at Island Queen Cruises at Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132

Join HistoryMiami Museum’s Resident Historian, Dr. Paul George, as he recounts the history of Biscayne Bay. Discover the storied past of Stiltsville, a series of colorful wooden houses built on the flats of the bay and located inside Biscayne National Park. Known in the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s as a playground for wealthy and well-connected, Stiltsville was once home to the now infamous Crawfish Eddies and Bikini Club. Learn how this once vivacious community on stilts dwindled down to the seven houses that remain today. Dr. George will narrate and share stories of nefarious gangsters, stunning graffiti, and fabulous parties while guests cruise past the Cape Florida Lighthouse, Key Biscayne, and the City of Miami.

Today, Biscayne National Park and the Stiltsville Trust work together to support the preservation of the remaining Stiltsville houses so that future generations are able to experience its unique history.

Individual charcuterie boxes from Miami Grazing Company will be served. Water and soda service included in ticket price. Additional light snacks and drinks available for purchase from Island Queen Cruises. Ticket includes complimentary family pass to HistoryMiami Museum.

Featured Speaker:

Paul George, Ph.D., Resident Historian

For over three decades, HistoryMiami Museum’s Resident Historian Dr. Paul S. George has toured his way to local, national, and international acclaim with his continuing series of historic tours. Through walking, coach, and boat tour experiences, Dr. George has welcomed tour participants on a memorable journey of South Florida through its historic neighborhoods, landmarks, and sites. As a Miami native, author, and former college professor, Dr. George has gained fame for his uncanny ability to recall the most impressive details about the people and places that make South Florida so unique.

Additional Information:

The Museum will be chartering the Island Queen from Island Queen Cruises, which will be docked at Miamarina at Bayside Marketplace. Island Queen’s Island Queen is a large vessel with two decks. The lower deck is closed in and is air-conditioned. This level has tables and chairs for tour participants to sit in and speakers so that patrons may listen to the tour guide from below. Guests may also choose to stand on the bow or stern of the vessel on the lower level. The upper level is accessible by stairs only. The upper deck is covered on the top with open sides. Should there be rainy weather, there is plastic side sheeting, which may be rolled down. There are chairs for guests to use on this level. The tour guides on the vessel will stand in the front of the upper level for narration. Please note that the capacity of the vessel is 140 passengers; however, this tour has a capacity of 80 participants.

Image courtesy of GMCVB/ miamiandbeaches.com

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Stiltsville & Key Biscayne Sunset Cruise

Historic Downtown Miami Walking Tour

Mystery, Mayhem, Vice & Crime Coach Tour

Accessibility To request materials in accessible format, sign language interpreters, and/or any disability accommodation, please contact Hana Squires, Accessibility Coordinator, at [email protected] or call (305) 375-1621 at least two weeks in advance of your visit to initiate your request. TTY users may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service.)

Release ​ By attending this program, you consent to interview(s), photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, web casts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, inclusion on web sites, or any other purpose by HistoryMiami Museum (HMM) and its affiliates and representatives. You release HistoryMiami Museum (HMM) its officers and employees, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing, or publication of interviews, photographs, computer images, video and/or or sound recordings. By entering the premises, you waive all rights you may have to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with any exhibition, streaming, webcasting, televising, or other publication of these materials, regardless of the purpose or sponsoring of such exhibiting, broadcasting, webcasting, or other publication irrespective of whether a fee for admission or sponsorship is charged. You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video, or audio recording taken by HistoryMiami Museum (HMM) or the person or entity designated to do so by HistoryMiami Museum (HMM) You have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release before entering the premise.

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By entering the premises, you consent to interview(s), photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, web casts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, inclusion on web sites, or any other purpose by HistoryMiami Museum (HMM) and its affiliates and representatives. You release HistoryMiami Museum (HMM) its officers and employees, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing, or publication of interviews, photographs, computer images, video and/or or sound recordings. By entering the premises, you waive all rights you may have to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with any exhibition, streaming, webcasting, televising, or other publication of these materials, regardless of the purpose or sponsoring of such exhibiting, broadcasting, webcasting, or other publication irrespective of whether a fee for admission or sponsorship is charged. You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video, or audio recording taken by HistoryMiami Museum (HMM) or the person or entity designated to do so by HistoryMiami Museum (HMM) You have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release before entering the premise.