Yes, you can pull off a laid-back Miami vacation — here's how to do it
The first thing that comes to mind when you hear "Miami" probably isn’t “laid back,” but the cosmopolitan city is much more than what can be found on South Beach. Miami is also a place where you can relax and recharge, and for the following guide, we’re going to show you some laid-back places for your next trip.
Hotels
Miami has a notoriously flashy hotel scene along Ocean Drive, where you’ll find hotels with raucous happy hours and nightclubs that stay open all night. If this isn’t your scene, the next few hotels might be more your speed.
Related: A beginner’s guide to visiting Miami: Everything you need to eat, see and do
Carillon Miami
Located in North Beach, a quieter, more residential area of Miami, Carillon Miami (part of Leading Hotels of the World) consists of one- and two-bedroom apartments with living rooms and fully equipped kitchens, making it suitable for long stays. The hotel feels like a quiet sanctuary with floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the ocean and beds that can be customized for each guest. The resort has a luxury spa that includes a crystal steam room, an extensive menu of massage treatments, and facials for every skin type. There’s also an on-site acupuncturist and nutritionist available for guests. Outside of the resort, North Beach has a winding boardwalk made for long walks or bike rides.
Related: The best times to visit Miami
Acqualina Resort & Residences
If you're ready to really splurge on self-care, check out Acqualina Resort & Residences (also a member of LHW). The beachfront hotel is in Sunny Isles, a barrier island located about 20 miles north of South Beach. The hotel includes one-, two- and three-bedroom suites that are lavishly decorated, and each room has its own balcony with intracoastal or ocean views. Visit the spa to indulge in hot stone therapy and a Himalayan salt stone massage, or book a consultation with a health and wellness coach. If you’d like to venture off the property, try nearby Oleta River State Park for kayaking, fishing, and walking the scenic trails.
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne
Venture a little farther out to Key Biscayne, and you’ll find some of the best beaches in Miami. Key Biscayne only has a handful of hotels, in part because the barrier island is less than 4 miles long. Book a one- or two-bedroom suite that’s decorated in calming shades of blue and gray. The suites also have full and half balconies available to take advantage of the sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. One of the standout services in the spa includes the “Moon Over Miami,” a combination of an orange salt and oil exfoliation, an Atlantic stone massage and a scalp massage. Nearby activities include the prestigious Crandon Park golf course and Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden.
Restaurants
Truly a melting pot of cultures and flavors, Miami has something for everyone. But if you want to skip the crowds for something a little more secluded, check out these restaurants that offer a multisensory dining experience.
Redfish
Dining at Redfish feels like you’ve been transported to your own private island. Located in the historic Matheson Hammock Park, Redfish is the only waterfront restaurant in Coral Gables. Matheson Hammock Park is full of Florida mangrove forests and spreads out into an open cove on Biscayne Bay. The restaurant has a spectacular view of the water, and the outdoor dining area is decked out in breezy white linens. Some of the menu highlights include fresh seafood plates like grilled branzino and sea scallops.
Related: Stone crab, Cuban sandwiches and mojitos: The 18 best places to eat and drink in Miami
Juvia
You wouldn’t think that one of Miami’s best restaurants would be in the Lincoln Road Mall, Miami Beach’s quiet outdoor shopping district, but the unassuming exterior hides this rooftop restaurant that locals love. With a panoramic view of Miami, Juvia can only be accessed by elevator, and the restaurant is perched on the ninth floor. There’s indoor and outdoor dining, and the outdoor area includes laid-back lounge seating and a living wall, adding to the garden feel. The menu is a mix of French, Japanese and Peruvian food, so try the Asian beef carpaccio or the truffle risotto.
Joia Beach
Cross the MacArthur Causeway that connects Miami Beach to the mainland, and you’ll find Jungle Island and the unique day resort/restaurant that’s Joia Beach. The restaurant's boho-chic decor feels like you’re in Tulum, and the restaurant provides views of downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay. The menu is eclectic and includes Turkish octopus, Tasmanian trout and Spanish boquerones. After eating, stick your toes in the white sand that stretches around the property or finish off your meal with a signature Pure Joia cocktail from the tiki bar while you watch the sunset on the lounge chairs.
Spas
And finally, what’s a relaxing weekend without a visit to the spa? If you only have a day in Miami or if you’re looking for a staycation activity, visit one of these unique spas and leave feeling rested and rejuvenated.
Related: 9 of the most amazing spas worth traveling for
The Wellness Garden & Spa
Book a massage on the shaded rooftop deck of The Betsey, one of South Beach’s charming boutique hotels. The only rooftop spa in Miami offers stone massages, manicures, pedicures and a coconut hot towel facial. The spa also creates a specialized aromatherapy experience for each guest at the beginning of each session. In true Miami fashion, there are also massage packages for you and your dog.
Related: 7 secrets Miami locals don’t want you to know
Tierra Santa Healing House
This 22,000-square-foot spa is on the third floor of Miami’s Faena Hotel, and the decor is crisp and bright, reflecting the brightness of Miami and the spa’s South American influences. There’s a team of doctors and healing instructors to address whole-body wellness, and there are several healing body rituals that use oils, butters and poultices made on site. Some other standout treatments include a triple lift advanced facial and the verbena detox, a ritual that uses a dry brush exfoliation, a full-body seaweed wrap and a scalp massage.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental
Take your pick of luxury services at this downtown Miami hotel. Book services in one of the 11 treatment rooms or one of the six suites that overlook Biscayne Bay. The spa uses oxygen and hydrafacial machines for the advanced facials, and there’s also a Healing Wave ritual exclusive to the Mandarin Oriental that combines singing bowls with a back, scalp and foot massage. The spa also offers a variety of outdoor classes like tai chi and belly dancing.
Related: Getting to Miami on points and miles
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.