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Stiltsville in Miami

Stiltsville, a small group of wooden stilt houses, which appear almost out of nowhere when boating Just off Key Biscayne and the Cape Florida Lighthouse in Miami. The grouping has a rich and spicey Miami past including gambling, night clubs, party houses and illegal activities starting in the early 1920’s during Prohibition. The history and facts are pretty murky and there are plenty of conflicts in the historical accounting of Stiltsville activities. What we do know for sure, is that our beloved Stiltsville Village only has seven “houses” today.

The structures were built, at the time, as weekend getaways. Some were built by fishermen like “Crawfish Eddy”, but quickly became dominated by the Miami powerful and elite. Because the location is one mile offshore, it’s thought they were originally built there to be safe from any U.S. illegalities. But between zealous lawmen and hurricanes… eventually Stiltsville which once grew to nearly 30 structures (some historical accountings say more like nearly 60), only seven Stiltsville structures remain, none of which are original.

Stiltsville in Biscayne National Park

Most often, “public use” means groups like the Boy Scouts will visit and stay over, and experience the fantastic shallow snorkeling, swimming and boating available. Weddings, commercial shoots and artist-in-resident events are also somewhat common.

Each house is very different and they often have bright colors, portraits, or tropical/nautical adornments all around. Since these houses are on stilts in the middle of the ocean, the only way to reach it is by boat. Therefore, each house has large docks that are able to tie up multiple boats of various sizes. These homes are historically known for being places to hosts parties, although it depends on who the owner is.

We’ve been fortunate enough to have stayed at Stiltsville, and every time is a blast. It’s very laid back and relaxing to be completely surrounded by water. The fishing and snorkeling is fantastic. And the sunrises and sunsets are truly a fantastic experience. And there are usually plenty of other people there also have a great time, whether watching a football game on the big screen or grilling up a big fish dinner out on the patio. Restroom facilities are necessarily completely eco-friendly but a bit of extra work for the house owners… so IF you are lucky enough to get an invitation and stay at Stiltsville, make sure you help out and be thankful!!!  Ah, Florida.