Find The Perfect Everything At Miami's 10 Best Shopping Areas
LAST UPDATED BY Priscilla Blossom
February 18, 2019
Miami's best malls and shopping centers offer extensive shopping opportunities (from high-end boutiques to bargain shops to outlet stores) alongside ample walking and relaxation spots, and varied dining options. They are often quite pleasing to the eye, both because of their design aesthetic and also because many of these places are frequented by Miami's beautiful, multicultural population (not to mention a few models here and there).
Tourists should focus their sights on places like Lincoln Road Mall and Bayside Marketplace. These two shopping centers offer unique shops, plenty of gift ideas, and lots of free, live entertainment. Plus, both are located in prime tourist destination spots (South Beach and Downtown Miami, respectively), so you can access them easily via public transit or even by simply walking to them from your hotel.
Those who call Miami their home on a regular basis will recognize many of the other malls we mention here, suburban spots like The Falls and Dadeland Mall, plus more luxurious spots like Aventura and the Bal Harbour shops, where the shopping is great so long as the price tags don't matter.
Then of course we have places that have been visited by every Miamian and every tourist, like the always busy Dolphin Mall, which is popular not only for its specialty and outlet shops, but also for its variety of entertainment options. Read on to learn more about each of these wonderful destinations.
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10
Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove
CocoWalk is the place to shop in Miami's vibrant Coconut Grove neighborhood, but it is also the place to mix, mingle, dine, hear music, and enjoy attractive tropical-style outdoor areas. This retail and entertainment complex offers days of shopping and fun, with retailers like Gap, White House/Black Market and Victoria's Secret stationed next to unique specialty shops. After filling your shopping bags, enjoy a meal or a drink in an attractive outdoor cafe or bistro, or perhaps take in a show at the 16-screen cinema. Rickshaw rides and live entertainment are frequently found here on weekends, making it an excellent place for date night.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: If you like boutique shopping and bar hopping, and want a place to combine your two interests, look no further than CocoWalk.
Priscilla's expert tip: This outdoor mall is currently undergoing renovations but check back over the next two years to see the latest improvements! But don't worry, many of the old favorites are still there!
Read more about CocoWalk →
9
Design District
Design District
Photo courtesy of Steven Brooke
Just north of the artsy Wynwood neighborhood is the Design District, an area where new trends are being set every day. The neighborhood is a conglomeration of design outlets, art galleries, home decor stores, antique shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs. In recent years, the city's creative contingent has migrated here, causing some noticeable gentrification, and through the years it's become a popular tourist destination. Stores devoted to design and architecture occupy warehouse-like fronts in an area between North Miami Avenue and North Second Avenue. Although the district covers just a few blocks, it offers a wealth of shopping and design opportunities.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: The Design District caters to its namesake: designers and design lovers. You won't find better, classier, more unique design shops anywhere else.
Priscilla's expert tip: Get here early as shops rarely stay open in the later afternoon or evenings.
Read more about Design District →
8
Bal Harbour
Bal Harbour
This top shopping destination is known around the country for its quality, variety, and most of all, for its grandiose style. Each exclusive boutique holds numerous treasures that will transform your wardrobe (and maybe even your life). Shops include everything from national favorites like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue to some of the finest designer names, including Versace, Fendi, Gucci, Chanel, Dior, Hermes and Prada. Beautiful high-priced gifts are available at fine stores such as Tiffany & Co., Cartier, De Beers, Harry Winston and Bulgari. There are plenty of upscale dining options as well as casual outdoor eateries. Note: This is not the place to shop for deals.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: Bal Harbour caters to the high-rollers and jet-setters of Miami. While not the best bargain, this up-scale shopping haven deserves a nod on our list.
Priscilla's expert tip: Bring your credit cards. You're gonna need 'em.
Read more about Bal Harbour Shops →
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Photo courtesy of Priscilla Blossom
On the southeast corner of Bird Road and Ludlam, you'll find a series of interesting and eclectic shops that are perfect for off-the-beaten-path shopping. The main attraction is Miami Twice, a large, vintage boutique. The shop began as a strictly vintage shop specializing in finds from the 50's, 60's, and 70's, but now offer "modern vintage" (80's and 90's) plus retro-styled clothing and a huge selection of Halloween costumes in October. A&M Comics is the other major tenant of the strip mall, boasting one of the largest and most interesting collections of comic books, graphic novels, used books, figurines and other collectibles, vinyl, vintage newspapers, and even a large selection of vintage Playboy magazines in the back. The strip mall also features a tattoo shop, several trendy women's boutiques, a psychic, and most recently, a Vapor Shark e-cigarette store.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: Discover vintage goods, rare books, and other unique gifts at this off-the-beaten-path shopping center.
Priscilla's expert tip: Don't bother parking in those pain-in-the-butt spots in the front. Drive to the end of the strip and pull in. Plenty of parking in the back.
Read more about Bird and Ludlam Strip Mall →
This attractive mall in Pinecrest offers a beautiful, serene shopping experience and features wood plank walkways, lush greenery, and a series of flower-lined tropical lagoons and waterfalls. An open-air complex, the Falls offers such popular retail names as Pottery Barn, Aeropostale, Bebe, Gap, francesca's, American Girl, Restoration Hardware, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Hot Topic, and Crate & Barrel. While the Falls does not have a food court, appetites may still be satiated by their wide array of casual and fine dining options, including BJ's Brewhouse, BRIO, Johnny Rockets, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, and T.G.I. Friday's. The Falls also frequently puts on community events, and is the location of the locally popular Miracle on 136th Street Holiday Parade.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: The Falls makes the cut thanks to its aesthetically pleasing design, shopping opportunities not found in other Miami malls, and fun community events.
Priscilla's expert tip: Check their calendar for fun events open to the community, including their Mother's Day event that features free salon services, massages, co*cktails, beer, and even a scavenger hunt.
Read more about The Falls →
5
Overlooking the magnificent Biscayne Bay in downtown Miami, this vast shopping complex offers a wealth of boutiques for men, women, and children of all ages. More than 150 shops are conveniently housed in an upscale, attractive shopping environment. Favorites include Gap, Guess, and Brookstone. When your shopping is complete, entertainment, nightlife, and dining choices abound, with options such as Miami's Hard Rock Cafe and a spacious international food court. Performers often take the stage in the numerous plazas built into the marketplace, and you can even take a boat tour for great views of the bay.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: Bayside is in the thick of Downtown Miami, with beautiful views of the water and plenty of free entertainment, it's the ideal tourist shopping experience.
Priscilla's expert tip: Bayside is easily accessible via public transit. Leave your car at any Metrorail station, stop at Government Center, then ride the free Metromover to the Bayside stop. You'll save a bundle on parking.
Read more about Bayside Marketplace →
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Coral Gables
Coral Gables
Photo courtesy of Marc Averett via Wikipedia
Coral Gables is one of Miami's most beautiful neighborhoods, and as such, their Downtown shopping district known as Miracle Mile is one of the most eye-pleasing, areas in town, featuring Mediterranean-style architecture housing more than 200 retailers. Miracle Mile is known for its' high-end fashion shops like Isa Boutique and bridal stores like Alessa's Bridal yet also offers more affordable shopping by way of stores like Ross Dress for Less. You'll find books stores, art galleries, cafes, a theater, hotels, salons, florists, and even an art house cinema all within walking distance of one another. The pedestrian-friendly quarter has roughly 70 different restaurants to appeal to all palates, from Indian cuisine (Mint Leaf) to pizza parlors (California Pizza Kitchen) to steakhouses (Morton's) and Sushi (Red Koi Lounge).
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: Miracle Mile is Miami's premier destination for all things bridal, but also offers a slew of shopping and dining and entertainment options for everyone else.
Priscilla's expert tip: With a variety of shopping, entertainment and dining options, Miracle Mile makes the perfect location for a date night.
Read more about Miracle Mile →
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Convenient to both downtown and Miami International Airport, the ever-popular Dolphin Mall is one of the area's newest and most modern shopping centers. From Old Navy to Bath & Body Works, Dolphin offers a wide range of specialty and outlet shops. Anchor stores include Marshall's and Saks Outlet. Among the mall's many amenities are a spacious food court with options ranging from Cilantro Fresh Mex to Burger King, a Dave & Buster's sports bar and gaming spot, Strike bowling alley, an indoor playground for kiddies called Cool-de-Sac, a 19-screen Regal Cinemas megaplex with stadium seating, and live entertainment in the main courtyard on Fridays.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: Going to Dolphin is an experience in and of itself. Always packed, but that's because they offer the most shopping opportunities in town.
Priscilla's expert tip: Dolphin Mall has finally fixed their parking problem thanks to the creation of parking garages. You can even visit a kiosk on site which will help you locate your car should you forget where you parked.
Read more about Dolphin Mall →
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Miami Beach
Miami Beach
Photo courtesy of Pedro Szekely
Where the trendy and fashionable shop. At this upscale, open-air mall off Collins Avenue at 17th Street, you'll find some of the most exclusive shops of South Beach, including Anthropologie, H&M, J.Crew, Alchemist, Diesel, Armani, . Many of the top art galleries and specialty stores are located here, but most browsers are here to see and be seen. There is a mixed and diverse crowd — it's not unusual to find people dressed "to the nines" being passed by inline skaters. You'll also find some of the most outstanding dining choices in the area, along with plenty of thriving nightlife options.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: If you're in town briefly and want to shop while also enjoying fine dining, people watching, and night life, you must hit Lincoln Road.
Priscilla's expert tip: Wear your beach gear under your clothes (or as your clothes, as some do). You can always hit the water after a shopping spree!
Read more about Lincoln Road →
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Photo courtesy of Aventura Facebook page
A true shopper's paradise with more than 300 luxury shops, over 50 international eateries, and an amazing, interactive playground called Rainbow Valley by the Friends With You artist collective, Aventura Mall is one of North Dade's premier, unique shopping destinations. The design of this shopping gem features fine Italian porcelain flooring, glass and bronze sculpted railings and custom seating—it's pure class at this opulent mall. Anchor stores include many favorites, like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and JCPenney. You'll also enjoy shopping at smaller luxury shops including Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Damiani, the Ferrari store and Chico's. And if you'd rather just browse, they even boast a world-class art collection (and yes, they offer tours).
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: Those looking for a lavish shopping experience will find it Aventura. Add a unique kid's play area and world-class art collection and you're all set.
Priscilla's expert tip: If your budget gets tight from all the shopping you'll do, avoid the restaurants and find cheap eats at the food court.
Read more about Aventura Mall →
Meet Priscilla Blossom
Pris Blossom is a freelance writer and feminist mama with a love for travel, writing, music, film, yoga, museums, cultural anthropology, and her awesome kid.
Read her words at PrisBlossom.com.
