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Miami was just named the most relaxing city in America, and the sixth in the world

It’s got big city energy, but plenty of opportunities to chill

Gerrish Lopez
Written by
Gerrish Lopez
Time Out Contributor, US
Waterfront home in Miami Beach
Photograph: Shutterstock | Waterfront home in Miami Beach
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Most travelers head to Miami for the glitzy nightlife, trendy neighborhoods and high-energy beach scene. A recent study, however, reveals that beneath its buzzy surface is the opportunity to just kick back and relax.

According to an August 2026 report by eSIM provider Holafly, per Travel & Leisure, Miami has been named the most relaxing city in the United States, taking the sixth spot globally with an impressive relaxation score of 63.3 out of 100.

RECOMMENDED: Miami was just voted one of the best cities in the world

To determine the rankings, researchers evaluated 50 destinations from the 2026 World’s Best Cities list. They analyzed key factors influencing physical and emotional well-being, incorporating data from TripAdvisor, Numbeo, Wikipedia, World Weather & Climate and the 2026 Happy City Index. Metrics included green spaces, wellness centers, traffic density, air quality, annual sunshine, and overall happiness. Each category was scored out of 100 and averaged, placing Miami as the sole U.S. city in the global top ten—a list otherwise dominated by European capitals like Copenhagen, Barcelona, and Vienna.

Oleta River State Park
Photograph: Courtesy Florida State ParksOleta River State Park

Miami's high ranking, bested only by Vancouver in North America, proves that its signature urban pulse can effortlessly coexist with deep rejuvenation. Year-round sunshine and access to pristine outdoor activities offer travelers endless ways to slow down. Active unwinders can paddle through the mangrove trails of Oleta River State Park—Florida's largest urban park—while keeping an eye out for manatees. Nature lovers can wander through the quiet paths of the Miami Beach Botanical Garden or escape to Key Biscayne, where Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and Crandon Park offer tranquil coastal trails and quiet beaches.

For visitors seeking pure indulgence, Miami boasts world-class spa retreats offering unique treatments focused on wellness and relaxation, while the serene shores of Bal Harbour provide a secluded, upscale sanctuary away from the crowds. Travelers can also recharge with sunrise yoga sessions overlooking Biscayne Bay, hydrotherapy circuits in quiet boutique bathhouses or casual strolls beneath the shady banyan trees of historic Coral Gables.

Miami demonstrates that a thrilling metropolitan vacation and a restorative coastal getaway don't have to be mutually exclusive. If you're looking to recharge, look no further than the Sunshine State's most glamorous hotspot.

The world’s most relaxing cities, according to Holafly: 

  1. Copenhagen, Denmark
  2. Barcelona, Spain
  3. Vienna, Austria
  4. Vancouver, Canada
  5. Oslo, Norway
  6. Miami, U.S.
  7. Munich, Germany
  8. Singapore
  9. Rome, Italy
  10. Amsterdam, Netherlands
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