Discover one of Miami's Best Hidden Gems.

A collection of colorful wooden houses built on pillars above the waters of Biscayne Bay! These homes have a wild history which includes gambling and intense partying during prohibition.

Bootleggers & Rumrunners

In the 1920's and 30's these houses on the water, served as an outpost for smugglers during prohibition. The first of a string of iconic houses was built by the legendary “Crawfish Eddy”, who used the sale of beer and fishing supplies - at that time legal one mile offshore - as a front for a gambling operation. Crawfish Eddy's shack also became a hideaway for those wanting to stay off the radar of local law enforcement.

Speakeasies & Gentlemen's Clubs

By the 1940’s Stiltsville had established invite-only speakeasies and gentlemen’s clubs like the Calvert and Quarterdeck clubs catering to Miami’s affluent elite. The Calvert Club quickly became a major destination for jet-setters visiting Miami. Even Florida’s governor, LeRoy Collins, spent time in Stiltsville in the 1950’s along with local politicians who frequented the houses.

The Illicit Bikini Club

During its heyday in the 1950’s and 60’s there were about 27 houses in Stiltsville, the Shangri-La and Bikini clubs were popular watering holes. A local con man, Harry Churchville, grounded a 150’ yacht along Stiltsville, called it the Bikini Club, and began offering $1 memberships and free booze to bikini-clad women topped off by nude sunbathing on the upper deck of the yacht. Churchville sold illegal liquor and was known to poach lobster out of season to supply his club.

Miami Vice

By the early 1990’s there were 14 Stiltsville houses remaining in the shallows of Biscayne Bay, passed down through the generations by family members but now under the jurisdiction of the Biscayne National Park. Hurricane Andrew in 1992 reduced the Stiltsville houses to the 7 that remain today. The houses have been featured in films and TV shows including Miami Vice.

The only boat tour companies licensed to take visitors to Stiltsville are:

Ocean Force Adventures

Biscayne National Park Institute

History Miami Museum