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Thursday, September 4, 2025

Stiltsville 101 — How to See Miami’s Floating Houses

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Wooden stilt house standing in the shallow flats of Biscayne Bay under a golden sunsetNextBreakout team with AI

If you’ve spent time in Miami, you’ve probably heard whispers about Stiltsville — a little cluster of colorful wooden shacks perched above the shallow turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay. Locals like to say, “If you haven’t seen Stiltsville, you haven’t really seen Miami.” They’re quirky, historic, and a little mysterious. The catch? You can’t just walk up to them. Here’s the ultimate local guide on how to actually see (and appreciate) these floating icons without any surprises.

Quick Cheat Sheet

  • 📍 Location: One mile south of Cape Florida in Key Biscayne
  • 🏠 Houses left: Six (27 at the peak; most lost to hurricanes, one burned in 2021)
  • ⛴️ Access: By boat only — no bridge, no road.
  • 🛑 No docking or boarding unless you have special permits.
  • 🕙 Tours: Offered Thursday–Monday at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. via the Biscayne National Park Institute. Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays.
  • ☀️ Best time: Winter–spring for calmer seas; golden hour for photos.
  • 🐬 Wildlife: Look for dolphins, manatees, rays, and seabirds along the flats.

Why Locals Still Talk About Stiltsville

Back in the 1930s, fisherman “Crawfish” Eddie Walker built the first shack on stilts here — really just a bait shack serving chowder and beer. Because the houses were a mile offshore, they dodged Miami’s old alcohol and gambling laws, quickly turning into a playground for the city’s elite. By the 1950s there were 27 houses and clubs, including the legendary Quarterdeck Club and the Bikini Club, famous for wild parties and Sunday gatherings.

Hurricanes took their toll. Hurricane Andrew in 1992 destroyed many of the homes, leaving only seven standing. In 2021, the beloved LeShaw House was lost to fire, leaving six houses still perched above the bay today.

In the late 1990s, the leases on the houses were due to expire, and demolition loomed. Miami rallied. Locals launched petitions and formed the Stiltsville Trust. By 2003, Congress amended federal law to let the houses stay under a public‑private partnership, preserving a slice of quirky Miami history.

Meet the Surviving Six

Each surviving house has its own personality:

  • A‑Frame House — A photogenic icon with its distinct triangular roof, instantly recognizable from miles away.
  • Ellenburg House — Built by Miami attorney and yacht club member Jimmy Ellenburg, known for its sturdy structure.
  • Baldwin / Sessions / Shaw House — Shared by several families, a classic representation of Stiltsville’s communal spirit.
  • Bay Chateau House — Famous for hosting lively gatherings; its open deck layout was designed for parties and fishing.
  • Hicks House — More modest, often painted in soft pastel colors, exudes old‑Miami simplicity.
  • A two‑story stilt house from the former Miami Springs Power Boat Club — one of the last social club structures, still standing as a relic.

Standing tall against the sea, these six houses are both historic artifacts and enduring symbols of Miami’s playful, free‑spirited past.

How to See Them Without Breaking Rules

There’s no dock you can simply tie up to, and climbing inside is not allowed without special permission. Here’s how locals recommend you go:

1. Book a Biscayne National Park Institute Cruise

  • When: Thursday–Sunday, typically 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. departures.
  • Where: Boats leave from Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove.
  • What to expect: A 2‑hour narrated cruise with park naturalists sharing stories of prohibition‑era parties, shipwrecks, and the fragile “Safety Valve” ecosystem.
  • Kid factor: Smooth ride, shaded seating, easy for families.

2. Go With HistoryMiami Museum

  • When: A few times a year (check their tour schedule).
  • Why locals love it: Historian Dr. Paul George leads these cruises with colorful storytelling — expect tales of rum‑runners, fishing clubs, and celebrity visitors.
  • Special option: Some sailings line up with sunset, a spectacular photo opportunity.

3. Charter a Boat (With Care!)

  • You’ll need a captain with National Park Service authorization to legally take you close.
  • No tying up or stepping inside unless you secure a permit from the Stiltsville Trust plus an NPS special use permit.
  • The flats are shallow and tricky — not the place for a first-time kayaker or novice boater.

Rules to Keep in Mind

  • 🚫 No docking, no landing, no climbing — respect the fragile structures.
  • 🛶 Kayaks & paddleboards can approach but must stay at a safe distance; currents are strong.
  • 🛑 No drones — the park protects nesting birds and sea turtles.
  • 📜 Permits: Education or nonprofit groups can apply for day‑use with the Stiltsville Trust. Requests require 15 business days and fees.

Timing & Weather Hacks

Locals plan around:

  • Winter & spring: Dry air, lower humidity, best visibility.
  • Summer: Hot and storm‑prone; morning cruises are calmer, afternoons often bring thunderstorms.
  • Tides: At mid‑to‑high tide, boats can maneuver closer for better photos.
  • Golden hour: For photographers, the late‑day glow plus the Miami skyline makes the shacks shine.

Packing Tips from the Neighborhood

  • 👟 Shoes: Closed‑toe for the lighthouse, flip‑flops for the beach.
  • 🧢 Sun protection: Hats, reef‑safe sunscreen, light long sleeves.
  • 💧 Water & snacks: The boat tours are BYO, but keep it light and avoid glass.
  • 📸 Camera gear: Wide‑angle for panoramas, 70–200mm for compressing skyline, and a microfiber cloth for salt spray.

Making a Whole Day Out of It

You’re already at the southern tip of Key Biscayne, so why not explore more?

  • Morning: Catch the 10 a.m. BNPI cruise for the best water conditions.
  • Lunch: Grab a sandwich at Lighthouse Café or ride over to No Name Harbor for Cuban seafood at Boater’s Grill.
  • Afternoon: Swim or rent a kayak in Bill Baggs State Park (remember, no lifeguards).
  • Evening: Climb the Cape Florida Lighthouse at 1 p.m. tour, then relax on the sand and stay for sunset.
  • Day trip combo: Pair with Best Day Trips from Miami or explore Coconut Grove and Coral Gables after your cruise.

Safety Notes (Especially With Kids)

  • Always wear life jackets for kids on boats or kayaks.
  • Seas can change quickly; listen to your captain.
  • No lifeguards on Bill Baggs beach — keep an eye on swimmers.
  • Respect turtle nests and shorebirds by keeping distance.

Why It’s Worth It

Stiltsville is more than a photo op. It’s Miami’s eccentric history frozen in time — prohibition parties on the water, hurricane survival stories, and today a fragile but enduring landmark. On a clear day, seeing the six houses floating on turquoise flats with the Miami Beach skyline behind is unforgettable. It’s a reminder that Miami has always been a city of reinvention and a playground at the edge of the sea.

References & Resources

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