Stiltsville, Group of elevated houses in Biscayne Bay, Florida.
Stiltsville comprises seven wooden houses elevated on reinforced concrete pilings about ten feet above the shallow waters of Biscayne Bay. Each structure is simply built with basic amenities and positioned to overlook the surrounding seagrass beds and water.
The first structure appeared in 1933 when a local entrepreneur built a shack above water to sell bait and seafood chowder. Over the following decades, additional houses were constructed, gradually transforming from commercial ventures into residential and social spaces.
These houses served as social gathering spots for Miami's wealthy residents during the mid-twentieth century, who came here to party and escape city life. They reflect a relaxed, informal way of entertaining that was popular among professionals at that time.
The location lies within Biscayne National Park, south of Cape Florida, and is accessible only by boat. Visitors should contact the Stiltsville Trust in advance to obtain required permits and arrange transportation by water.
The structures can only be viewed from boats or the shoreline, as they are protected within national park boundaries and entry is heavily restricted. This preservation approach has kept them largely unchanged while Miami's skyline transformed around them.
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