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
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees