Stiltsville
Stiltsville
Seeming to float above Biscayne Bay's shallow sea grass beds, Stiltsville has a colorful history that dates back to the 1930s, when "Crawfish Eddie Walker" built the first shack on stilts above the water. Over the years more homes were constructed, and the area took on an aura of mystery. Accessible only by water, Stiltsville was the place to see and be seen when visiting the winter resorts on nearby Miami Beach. Stories of illegal alcohol and gambling led to several police raids on the Bikini Club and Quarterdeck Club. 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. Considered an historic site, today only seven houses remain.
This popular destination is just 7 miles off of Cape Florida. And that means it’s a short trip by chartered boat … a great stopover if you’re planning on hitting lots of destinations in a single day. Built in 1878, it was once referred to as the Cape Florida Lighthouse. Fowey Rocks Lighthouse, as it’s now called, became fully automated in 1974 and is still operational today. Constructed of rugged, long-lasting cast iron, it stands 110 feet above sea level and its powerful light has a range of fifteen miles. Fowey Rocks Lighthouse was actually named for a British frigate, the HMS Fowey, that was shipwrecked in1748.The lighthouse itself is architecturally interesting because it’s shaped like a “skeletal pyramid.” If you include this destination in your day’s itinerary, you’ll also enjoy its cool, crystal-clear waters that are 20-35 feet deep. The waters are great for swimming and snorkeling because there are coral reefs to explore and colorful, tropical fish to admire.
This breathtaking natural harbor is a scenic wonderland. Located within the boundaries of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, the harbor was once a food-rich rookery for herons and egrets, birds native to the region. The No Name Harbor was privately-owned for many, many years, probably because of its stunning, natural beauty and its relatively remote location. Serene, safe and comfortable, plans were drawn up in the 1950s – and land was cleared – for modern condominium developments. The plans were scrapped when the land became the property of the state. And yet, this incredible destination is worth visiting.
Visit the Key Biscayne Lighthouse the “fun” way -- by chartered boat. Also known as the Cape Florida Lighthouse, this iconic landmark is currently owned and operated by the state of Florida. Located in nearby Bill Baggs State Park and Recreation Area, the area includes a recently-restored white brick tower that measures 95 feet in height (the lighthouse) and a “must-see” replica of the 1825 lighthouse keeper’s cottage. In addition to the site’s historic significance, (it was attacked by Seminole Indians and burned to the ground in 1838), the site today is tranquil and beautiful – an absolute “visual feast for the eyes.”
This natural island is just minutes away from Miami and Miami Beach in beautiful Biscayne Bay. In fact, it’s just a bit north of Sands Key, sits within the borders of Miami-Dade County and is the most popular destination in Biscayne National Park. It is home to a 65 foot ornamental lighthouse that was built by Mark Honeywell way back in the 1930s. Open to visitors, the lighthouse provides spectacular views of nearby islands … of Biscayne Bay … of the Atlantic Ocean … and of Miami and Miami Beach. Include this wonderful stopover in your charter boat itinerary.
It’s the northernmost Florida Key – and yet it’s still close enough to reach quickly – it’s fabulous Elliot Key. A “key” is an ancient coral reef that, over time, has been lifted above sea level. Elliot Key is large and imposing. Located just north of Key Largo, in Biscayne National Park, it is 7 miles long, but only about 2500 feet wide. Call it a narrow strip of land … but you can also call it a very large key. Originally known as Ledbury Key, it was once used by a tribe of Native Americans known as Tequesta Indians … then by local fishermen … and, if legend is correct, it was also home to a runaway slave known as Black Caesar. Its history is fascinating and Elliot Key is scenic, easy to reach … and worth the trip.
This lush, 60-acre urban park is just south of Coral Gables – so you know it is quick and easy to reach … and can be one of many stops you make on your boat charter. Opened to the public in 1930, it was a gift to Dade County by William Matheson and today rests adjacent to the renowned Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens – a floral showcase that will leave you dazzled, awe-struck and impressed. Matheson Hammock was designed by the noted landscape architect, William Lyman Phillips, and is currently owned and operated by Miami-Dade County. It offers great scenic views … a man-made atoll pool … a family-friendly beach known as Sea Breeze … a snack bar … a restaurant … nature trails … a marina … and much, much more.
Wining and Dining has is an outdoor experience at Monty’s In The Grove This seafood restaurant and raw bar offers a casual ambience with great views of Biscayne Bay. Famed for delicious and always-fresh stone crab, oysters and clams, the restaurant’s raw bar is popular with all diners. But, perfectly-cooked lobster, shrimp and other seafood options are big hits, as well. And … don’t forget the adult beverages – they’re great, too.
Eat, Drink, Be Merry and Enjoy Breathtaking Views of the Bay – at Scotty’s Landing. Located “on the water” in Coconut Grove in Miami, Scotty’s Landing is an immensely popular “no frills” waterfront seafood restaurant that has its own marina so that you can visit this restaurant by boat … beautiful, breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay … and a delightfully casual atmosphere that has diners coming back frequently. Scotty’s Landing is a basic, down-to-earth “joint” with plastic tables -- nothing fancy here – and delicious and affordable seafood, steaks, chops and burgers. It’s kid-friendly, too … a great place for the entire family to dine. Best of all, of course, you can visit other destinations by your chartered boat and then “stop off for lunch or dinner” – no driving necessary.
Sail slowly by Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. . .it’s breathtakingly beautiful . This stunning Italian Renaissance villa and gardens, now owned and operated by Miami Dade Country, was built in 1916 by industrialist James Deering, the heir to the Deering-McCormick International Harvester fortune. Located directly on Biscayne Bay, in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood, all construction materials, furniture and even visitors, originally arrived by boat via the Deering Channel now used by all boaters.
Enjoy Breathtaking Views of Miami’s Sensational Skyline . Give yourself a special opportunity to see Miami’s incredible skyline the way few people ever see it. You’ll marvel at the imposing office buildings that rise majestically into the sky, side by side with smaller buildings as well. Bring a digital camera with you because the views are worth remembering photographs.
Visit America’s ONLY Power Boat Racing Stadium … Miami Marine Stadium. . Built in 1963 on land donated by the Matheson family, it is the first stadium ever built for power boat racing and it may still be the only one. This magnificent outdoor stadium once seated 6,566 people comfortably. While it was constructed to provide a permanent home for exciting water sports, it also became a key destination for charter boat fans who enjoyed the scenic views of downtown Miami and Miami Beach. The stadium was designed by Hilario Candela and cost more than $2 million to construct (a figure that would be more than $15.2 million today). Located on the Key Biscayne Causeway, just south of downtown Miami, the Stadium was declared unsafe in 1972 after Hurricane Andrew severely damaged it. Its last race occurred in 1987. Work is underway to restore this iconic landmark./p>
You don’t have to go to Italy to tour the fascinating Venetian Islands. This enchanting and irresistible chain of 6 artificial islands is much closer than you think – on Biscayne Bay between Miami and Miami Beach. The islands, accessible by land as well as from the water, are a popular destination for those traveling by boat. The best-known island is probably Biscayne Island. One of the largest of the l Venetian Islands, it is considered part of the City of Miami,. as is San Marco Island, another fascinating destination. Miami Beach claims home to the four other Venetian Islands: San Marino … DiLido … Rivo Alto … and Belle Isle. All six of these scenic islands are connected by bridges that make them accessible from the mainland.
Some of the best-known celebrities in America live on these ultra-private islands in breathtaking mansions and spectacular estates. The man-made islands, built by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1922 were, from the beginning, the preferred place to reside by notables the likes of Al Capone. In the 1940s and 1950s, Lou Walters, father of Barbara Walters, operated the Latin Quarter Night Club on Palm Island, showcasing stars such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. Today, many top celebrities call these islands home, including Jennifer Lopez … Barry Gibb … Gloria Estefan … Matt Damon … Hulk Hogan … and more.
Learn a bit of south Florida History … Visit Flagler Monument Island. Located off South Beach in Biscayne Bay, Flagler Monument Island is an uninhabited, artificial island that exists as a memorial to one of the state’s most important historical figures – Henry Flagler. Perfectly round in shape and flush with exotic flora that cover most of the island, Flagler Monument Island is best known for the 110 foot high obelisk that stands as a “kind of living memorial” to the memory of Henry Flagler. Built in 1920, the island was deeded to the city of Miami in 1939 by Carl Fisher.
