When most people think of Miami, they likely picture clubbing until 6 AM and the beach. I’m here to share a different side of the bustling city that you may not consider — especially if partying and drinking is not your scene (because same).
I recently traveled to South Beach Miami for a childhood friend’s birthday. I visited Miami once before and honestly didn’t like it. This time around, I decided to give it another chance and experience it differently. Flights can be super cheap to Miami, but the city itself can be super expensive. I’ve curated this wellness guide to Miami to specifically include affordable things to do and places to eat while not compromising your health.
So if you just need a wellness weekend getaway that’s not super expensive, this city may be the way to go. Sure, there are definitely better places for a wellness weekend but this article can also serve as a wellness girlie’s guide to surviving this area if a group of friends wants to visit or you want to check out this area for the first time but don’t party.
In this article, I’ll share wellness activities you can do, where to stay, and healthy places to eat with options for a variety of dietary restrictions.
*Affiliate disclosure: I may make a small commission if you purchase from my links in this article at no extra cost to you.
Wellness-friendly accommodation in Miami
First, let’s dive into where you should stay for a wellness weekend in Miami. I personally stayed near South Beach to 1.) be near the beach and 2.) it was my childhood friend’s first time in the city. However, trust me when I say to avoid Ocean Drive area at all costs. Opt to stay farther from the beach in a place that offers free transportation to and from the beach for a better, more peaceful experience — like the Mid Beach area.
We stayed at the Kimpton Palomar Hotel in the Sunset Harbor area of South Beach. Sunset Harbor is a waterfront neighborhood with an abundance of health cafes, wellness studios, and trendy shops. There’s plenty of yoga, fitness, and spa facilities nearby.
At this Kimpton specifically, they offered:
- Free sunrise yoga on the rooftop
- Cold plunge sessions for an extra fee
- A wellness concierge so you can try local wellness studios
- Free bike rentals
- Free golf cart transportation for anywhere in South Beach
- Included beach chairs in a designated area
- A rooftop pool with great views
I really enjoyed the location as we could easily walk to Lincoln Road where there are restaurants and shopping but also walk to various stores like Trader Joe’s. You can walk to the beach from here as well, but it’s a trek.
If you’re looking to not stay in South Beach or even stay a little outside of Miami, I honestly would search for beachfront resorts to stay at the entire weekend if I could do it all over again!
Wellness activities to do in Miami that don’t cost an arm or leg
Now for what to do while you’re there. I’d say 3 days is the perfect amount of time in Miami if you’re just looking to unwind and get some sun. Here are my recommendations:
- Spend a day at the beach (obviously)
You can’t go to Miami without going to the beach. It’s definitely the best thing there. Even better is having an area dedicated for you to use with chairs you can lounge in. I recommend grabbing breakfast and getting a nice cold drink from a coffee shop first as there are not really any restaurants or places to get drinks near the beach.
- Visit the Farmers Market on Lincoln Road on Sundays
If you’re visiting over a weekend, Sunday morning you can get up and hit the farmers market right on Lincoln Road. They have a lot of fresh fruit that would pair well with breakfast. I was told it’s an all-day thing but from experience, getting to these types of things later in the day leaves you with fewer options to choose from.
- Bike to South Pointe
Depending on the weather and how hot it is, you can get some exercise by biking down the path near the beach to South Pointe for great views. Do this near sunset and you can likely get some great photos on the beach.
- Try a new spa or fitness class
Mid Beach had a lot of wellness studios and spas to choose from. If you use ClassPass, you can spend a morning trying a new workout class or yoga or even treat yourself to a spa nearby. We did the rooftop sunrise yoga at the Kimpton and we felt great afterwards!
- Venture out to Key Biscayne
For a quieter and more peaceful beach day, go to Key Biscayne. It’s only a 28-minute drive and it’ll feel like you’re on a secluded island. This is definitely a must if you have a car while you’re there.
- Go to Watr at the 1
For a more low-key night out or to grab a nice lunch and drinks during the day, head to Watr at the 1 rooftop. It’s a beautiful and breezy rooftop area with ocean views. We loved the lounge-like tables and the pool surrounded by palm trees. It’s super cute and great for pictures and kicking back!
- Chill at a laid-back beach club
Beach clubs here are really just areas to lounge at, in front of the ocean with food and beverage service. If you want an elevated beach day to pamper yourself, definitely do this. The 1 Beach Club specifically gives Tulum vibes and has fresh, organic, and local sustainably sourced food. Definitely make reservations in advance. I really liked this guide to the best beach clubs in Miami article.
Healthy places to eat in Miami without breaking the bank
Pura Vida
Pura Vida was my favorite spot to eat during my trip to Miami. The café boasts a beautiful ambiance with great lighting, complemented by a menu that focuses on clean, healthy ingredients, and they have multiple locations around the city. I was delighted to find options that required no modifications; I highly recommend their breakfast burrito on a gluten-free wrap with turkey sausage and feta—it was both wholesome and delicious. This is a great option for a quick breakfast or lunch or even grabbing to-go.
La Leggenderia Pizzeria
For those with gluten sensitivities, La Leggenda Pizzeria is a hidden gem in South Beach. This authentic Italian pizzeria serves some of the best gluten-free crusts I’ve ever tasted, reminiscent of those from my travels in Europe. Their Margherita pizza with authentic buffalo mozzarella was a delight, leaving my stomach feeling great. Don’t miss their unique Spritz wine for a refreshing pre-meal aperitif.
Havana 1957
There is a lot of great Cuban food in Miami and honestly, it is an easy choice if you can’t have dairy if you need to be gluten-free, or have other dietary restrictions. Located on Lincoln Road, Havana 1957 offers a taste of authentic Cuban cuisine with options that accommodate various dietary needs. I opted for beef dishes with rice, beans, and plantains, all of which were nourishing and satisfying. Dining outdoors enhanced the experience, and we simply shared a meal and an appetizer.
Lincoln Eatery Food Hall
Conveniently close to the Kimpton Hotel, Lincoln Eatery Food Hall is perfect for groups with diverse tastes and dietary preferences. Offering a variety of healthy food bowls, salads, and even gluten-free burgers, this laid-back spot provides something for everyone at reasonable prices.
Sunlife Organics
A familiar chain for health enthusiasts, Sunlife Organics was our savior in Miami. It’s perfect for a nice, thick smoothie with actually healthy ingredients. I got the gluten-free avocado toast with strawberries and balsamic vinegar for breakfast one morning.
Cordadito Coffee House
When in Miami, you should try Cuban coffee. I don’t even drink coffee anymore but this cute little corner coffee shop on Lincoln Road looked too good. Their iced hazelnut latte with almond milk was my personal favorite, and they have a variety of quick bites like their protein-packed Cuban rice and beans bowl during lunch and dinner times.
And that’s it! I hope this guide on how to spend a wellness weekend in Miami inspires your itinerary and helps you truly unwind on your wellness getaway. If you have any other recommendations I should add, please let me know in the comments below! Make sure you also check out my Gluten Free Dairy Free Guide to San Francisco as well.
