The Five Best Shopping Malls in Miami

Miami is somewhat of a shopping mecca so it should not be surprising when the concierge recommends visiting the shopping mall as one of the best activities to do in Miami. From outlet malls to upscale designer boutiques, there are stores to peruse at every price point. Travelers looking to soak up some sunshine while they shop should visit one of the outdoor malls in Miami, while those desperately seeking shade can do so at one of the beautiful indoor shopping malls. From inside to out, you can shop till you drop at any of the five best shopping malls in Miami.

5. Lincoln Road Mall

Between 16th and 17th Street in South Beach lies Lincoln Road, a "shopping street" of sorts, lined with stores, restaurants, art galleries and cafes. From national chains to eclectic one-of-a-kind shops, there is something around every street corner of this pedestrian mall. When the hunt for a good buy has taken its toll, shoppers take a break and people watch at one of the many restaurants with outdoor seating on Lincoln Road. And for the perfect sendoff before heading back to the hotel, stop for something sweet at Serendipity 3 or Dylan’s Candy Bar.

4. Bal Harbour Shops

Travelers looking for world-class shopping head north of South Beach to the exclusive village of Bal Harbour. The store directory at Bal Harbour Shops reads like a Fashion Week itinerary, with Chanel, Fendi, Alexander McQueen and other top designers taking residency in the luxury Miami shopping mall. Aside from a Rolodex of riches, Bal Harbour Shops is famous for its open-air interior, which features lots of lush foliage and natural light. Fine dining is also available on the premises, with the best bites at Italian restaurant Carpaccio.

3. Aventura Mall

Aventura may seem a world away from the Miami Beach bustle, but with a shopping mall boasting 2.7-million square feet of retail space and over 300 stores, it is more than worth the drive. Aventura Mall mixes upscale (it is home to a two-story Louis Vuitton flagship) with accessibility, a formula that attracts more than 28 million visitors a year. The impressive mega mall also features a 24-screen movie theater, an interactive playground for kids and close to a dozen restaurants.

2. The Falls

It’s not every day you come across a mall with a waterfall, but since this is a list about the best shopping in Miami we promise we are not judging The Falls solely on its tropical waterscape and serene setting. One of the largest open-air shopping malls, The Falls serves travelers a dose of department stores along with more than 100 specialty retailers, like the always crowded Apple Store and family friendly American Girl Miami.

1. Dadeland Mall

If a trip to Aventura isn’t on the itinerary for this Miami vacation, the next best indoor shopping can be found at Dadeland Mall. The mall is located in the suburb of Kendall and, after undergoing an expansion in 2013, now not only boasts Florida’s largest Macy’s but almost 200 upscale to mid-range stores. Travelers can cool off indoors during a day trip to the Dadeland Mall, and pick up almost anything that didn’t make it in the suitcase at this one-stop shop in South Miami.