Stiltsville
Stiltsville
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Naddia's Favorites
Miami Beach, FL1,371 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
I have been living in Miami for over 8 years and I never went to see the Stiltsville at Biscayne Bay, Stiltsville has a colorful history that dates back to the 1930s, when the first shack on stilts was built above the water. Over the years more buildings were constructed, accessible only by water, the area was the place to see and be seen when visiting nearby Miami Beach. Stories of illegal alcohol and gambling led to several police raids back in the days. At its peak in 1960, there were 27 structures on the flats, but hurricanes, fires and the ravages of being in such an exposed place made every building relatively short-lived. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew left only seven buildings standing.
What a wonderful experience, you can buy a 2 hours educational cruise tour on the website of Biscayne National Park Institute.
We really loved it and for sure I will go again when friends visit us, it is really worth it, you spend 2 relaxing hours seeing something totally different, learn some Miami history and have gorgeous views, highly recommended @biscaynenationalparkinstitute @stiltsvillemiami @biscaynenps @thenewtropic
For more of my favorite things to do, activities, restaurants, places and more, like my Facebook page Naddia’s Favorites or follow me on Instagram @naddias_favorites
What a wonderful experience, you can buy a 2 hours educational cruise tour on the website of Biscayne National Park Institute.
We really loved it and for sure I will go again when friends visit us, it is really worth it, you spend 2 relaxing hours seeing something totally different, learn some Miami history and have gorgeous views, highly recommended @biscaynenationalparkinstitute @stiltsvillemiami @biscaynenps @thenewtropic
For more of my favorite things to do, activities, restaurants, places and more, like my Facebook page Naddia’s Favorites or follow me on Instagram @naddias_favorites
Written May 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jmag13
McKinney, TX16 contributions
Sep 2019 • Business
Must order the Spoon Bread. It’s indescribably delicious. Unique farm to table flair.with relaxing casual atmosphere. Excellent scallops with unique pickle condiments. Broad menu selection. Highly recommend with modest pricing for high quality food and service.
Written September 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachael C
United States80 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
We booked a tour of Stiltsville through the Biscayne National Institute. The entire tour is by boat, these homes are located in the middle of Biscayne Bay. The boat is operated by the Miami Dade park system, but a volunteer from the Biscayne National Park is on board to explain the history of the homes. There are only 7 homes left, so I highly recommend seeing this at the first opportunity you can. They offer the tours on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month. BOOK IN ADVANCE. You can chance showing up the day of, but the boat may be full.
Your ticket covers entry into the Deering Estate. I did not realize this at the time, so we missed the final estate tour of the day (the boat comes back at 4pm). I recommend going early, touring the estate, and then going for the boat tour as scheduled.
I would consider this a laid back, lazy Sunday activity. The boat ride out to the houses is very relaxing (if you have good weather!) and the captain idles by the houses so you can hear the volunteer give the history as well as take plenty of pictures. These are NOT houses you can tour, you will NOT be getting off the boat.
I highly recommend this activity. It's a very interesting part of Miami's history, plus it's a pretty relaxing day! Bring sunscreen and lunch!!!! You may even see dolphins (we were lucky and saw a pod, the captain idled the boat so we could all watch and enjoy!)
Your ticket covers entry into the Deering Estate. I did not realize this at the time, so we missed the final estate tour of the day (the boat comes back at 4pm). I recommend going early, touring the estate, and then going for the boat tour as scheduled.
I would consider this a laid back, lazy Sunday activity. The boat ride out to the houses is very relaxing (if you have good weather!) and the captain idles by the houses so you can hear the volunteer give the history as well as take plenty of pictures. These are NOT houses you can tour, you will NOT be getting off the boat.
I highly recommend this activity. It's a very interesting part of Miami's history, plus it's a pretty relaxing day! Bring sunscreen and lunch!!!! You may even see dolphins (we were lucky and saw a pod, the captain idled the boat so we could all watch and enjoy!)
Written August 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucie
2 contributions
Dec 2018 • Friends
Book your tour of Stiltsville through Biscayne National Park Institute. Now available for the first time! See the old houses built in the bay that until now could only be seen in movies, or by those lucky enough to get an invite. Only 7 houses are left standing. Captain Christopher and Gabrielle give a beautiful tour, the sights of Key Biscayne and the Miami skyline from the water are spectacular. And it's all part of the national park system. Don't miss it!
Written December 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TWB
Cincinnati, OH2,491 contributions
Mar 2022
Something totally different to see and consider the history of. Great sunset from viewing area at the end of Key Biscayne - though you have to hightail it out of there after/during the sunset because that part of the park technically closes at dusk.
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larryo
Fort Lauderdale, FL438 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
just saw the houses from Key Biscayne, and can't wait to go back on tour boat. 7 historical buildings, so unique. another day in paradise.
Written April 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HBeachTraveler
Holmes Beach, FL133 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
For those interested in the history of earlier times in Florida, Stiltsville is a good story. Check out the Wikipedia or Trip Advisor site for more background on how it came to be in the 1930's, what happened there over the years and what still remains today. We were lucky enough to be invited as part of a college reunion group to visit the Miami Springs Boat Club house for an afternoon - - literally on the water. We were transported out via yacht, though most came by smaller boats in the 24' range. Everything is self-contained, so you need to bring your water, food, drinks and any water toys you want. It's an ecological nicety as part of Biscayne National Park and about a mile offshore of the lighthouse. The surrounding water is very shallow and so it is great for swimming and relaxing in the bay. There are a huge amount of fish and shore birds, including ~50 cormorants roosting around the building. We had a lot of kids in our group and they all seemed to have a great time. Worth a trip if you love the water and are lucky enough to get an invite.
Written July 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
henri m
Coral Gables, FL133 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
For us who have been in this area for a few years to see these home s in the middle of the bay is a sight to see. No wonder so many movies for the big screen and tv have been filmed there best view at Bill Baggs park
Written August 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I’m trying to decide between the Stiltsville tour, and the Biscayne Heritage tour, both offered through the institute. Thoughts?
Written June 15, 2022
I only did the Stiltsville which I loved, I really cannot comment on the other, sorry
Written June 16, 2022
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