Miami Malls Are Thriving: The Top 8 Malls in the Miami Area

Miami malls are known for having some of the best luxury shopping in the world. Most of their malls are fancier than the Vatican. Think waterfalls, koi ponds and solid gold maxi dresses.

And while malls across America are closing down, Miami’s shopping malls are growing year after year. Miami locals and tourists need their retail therapy.

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1. Aventura Mall – Best Overall Miami Mall

One of the biggest shopping destinations in south Florida, Aventura Mall is three floors of posh shopping. With over 300 stores in 2.8 million square feet of retail space, it’s arguably the best of all Miami malls.

Technically located in Aventura, the mall is only about 15 miles north of Miami in the posh coastal area near Golden Beach and Sunny Isles Beach. Sounds like a dream, right?

The most unique thing about the mall is the arts program featuring 15 interactive art pieces. The Aventura Slide Tower is a 93-foot tall steel and glass slide at the mall’s entrance. Gorillas in the Mist is a whimsical fountain featuring three large-scale gorilla sculptures.

Several shuttle services run between the mall and various areas in Miami. The mall also serves as a major hub for Miami-Dade buses. If you choose to drive, you’ll find over 10,000 parking spaces as well as valet parking at all of the mall’s major entrances.

Stores include:

• Burberry
• Dior
• Fendi
• Cartier
• Louis Vuitton
• Tiffany & Co.
• Nordstrom

Photo courtesy Aventura Mall

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2. Bal Harbour Shops – Best Tropical Paradise Mall

Known as one of the ritziest malls in Florida, Bal Harbour is filled with luxury designer boutiques. Over 100 stores occupy nearly half a million square feet spread over two stories in this open-air Miami shopping mecca.

Originally built on the site of a WWII barracks, the mall now hosts a lushly-landscaped inner courtyard filled with fountains, sculptures and ponds. Bal Harbour Shops looks more like a tropical resort paradise than a shopping mall.

While thousands of shopping malls across America have shuttered their doors over the last few years, Bal Harbour Shops has consistently grown, with a waitlist for stores trying to get in (including Barneys New York). The mall sees some of the highest sales per square foot in the world.

The exquisite shops and tropical setting make it a favorite for celebrities and socialites visiting the Miami area. The mall also frequently hosts fashion shows, attracting famous designers and their celebrity fans.

Stores include:

• Chanel
• Gucci
• Alexander McQueen
• Stella McCartney
• Fendi
• Dior
• Prada

Photo courtesy Bal Harbour Shops

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3. Lincoln Road Mall – Best Trendy Mall

Located just a few blocks from Miami Beach, the Lincoln Road Mall is a mile-long pedestrian promenade known for being one of the best people-watching spots in Miami. Grab a spot at one of the many tables in the center of the walkway and watch the throngs of international visitors, celebrities, street performers, supermodels and plenty of local shoppers.

There are over 200 boutiques, retail stores and stylish restaurants as well as a state-of-the-art cinema, concert hall, performing arts center, gallery space for artists and an architecturally acclaimed parking garage. Yep, even the parking garages are cool in Miami Beach.

The easiest way to get there is to take an Uber. But if you end up driving, there are actually three public parking garages near Lincoln Road. The 17th Street Garage is the largest and most convenient. There’s also one on Pennsylvania Avenue and another at City Hall.

Stores include:

• Urban Outfitters
• Victoria’s Secret
• Gap
• Banana Republic
• Athleta
• Zara
• Anthropologie

Photo courtesy Lincoln Road Mall

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4. Brickell City Centre – Best Downtown Miami Mall

Part of a brand new development in the Brickell district of downtown Miami, just south of the Miami River. The mixed-use development includes high-end shops, restaurants, condos, a hotel and office space. The retail space occupies four levels spanning three city blocks.

The vertical space is ultra modern and designed to integrate with downtown life. All of the buildings are interconnected, and outdoor sidewalks are set back from the streets with lush plants shielding them from traffic. The interiors are airy, light-filled expanses featuring clean lines and unique shops.

The center is integrated with the Eighth Street Metromover Station, making it easy to get in and out. There’s also two levels of underground parking, a rarity in Florida due to the proximity to sea level.

Stores include:

• Saks Fifth Avenue
• Cole Haan
• Coach
• Emporio Armani
• Lululemon
• Sephora
• Zara

Photo courtesy Brickell City Centre

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5. Dolphin Mall – Best Outlet Mall

This is Miami’s largest outlet mall. The sprawling complex encompasses over 240 designer and retail stores, a movie theater and a bowling alley. There’s also an on-site hotel for folks who love the smell of bargain shopping in the morning.

Dolphin Mall is just west of the Miami airport, and offers free shuttle service to the airport as well as select hotels in Miami Beach and downtown Miami. They also have storage lockers where you can store your luggage or your shopping haul for 5 bucks or less.

For the best deals, head to the Information Booth in the Ramblas district (in front of Starbucks) for a Passport to Shopping discount book with over 100 offers.

Stores include:

• BCBG Max Azria
• Calvin Klein
• Bloomingdale’s Outlet
• Neiman Marcus Last Call
• Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th
• Michael Kors
• Coach

Photo courtesy Dolphin Mall

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6. Shops at Merrick Park – Best Fancy Suburban Mall

This picturesque three-story mall is the go-to spot for folks seeking a bit of retail therapy in Coral Gables (a southern suburb of Miami). The outdoor shopping center features over 100 shops and boutiques in a serene and classy environment. The grounds are lined with swaying palm trees, sophisticated gardens and beautiful fountains.

Although prices are a bit lower than, say, Bal Harbour, this is still an upscale mall with high-end department stores, luxury brands and chic eateries.

Parking is plentiful in several lots around the mall (although none of it is free). Valet parking is also available at most entrances.

Stores include:

• Jimmy Choo
• Banana Republic
• Tiffany & Co.
• Neiman Marcus
• Nordstrom
• Coach
• Gucci

Photo courtesy Shops at Merrick Park

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7. Dadeland Mall – Best South Miami Mall

Located just south of Miami in Kendall, Dadeland Mall is often called “the Aventura Mall of the south” because it’s a massive indoor shopping center (although not as big as Aventura) with nearly 200 stores and restaurants. The iconic Miami mall was recently upgraded with swanky, curving architecture and a total of 1.4 million square feet of shopping and dining.

One of the best things about Dadeland Mall is the terrace dining area. You can take advantage of the beautiful Florida weather by dining al fresco while enjoying incredible views of downtown Dadeland.

There’s plenty of free parking as well as valet parking. The mall is also served by the Dadeland Metrorail stations.

Stores include:

• Nordstrom
• Macy’s
• Saks Fifth Avenue
• Free People
• Urban Outfitters
• Coach
• Michael Kors

Photo courtesy Dadeland Mall

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8. The Falls – Best Outdoor Mall

Have you always wanted to shop in a mall that resembles lush, tropical locale? Then you need to go to The Falls. The picturesque outdoor mall is designed around a stunning lagoon with multiple pools, bridges and waterfalls (hence the name). Modern sculptures and decorative lighting dot the million-gallon waterscape.

The mall contains over 100 mid-range to upscale stores as well as a variety of restaurants and a movie theater. Being an outdoor mall, it can get a bit steamy. But the walkways are covered, providing a shady haven from the harsh south Florida sun.

The Falls is located south of Miami in Kendall, Florida. It’s about 30 minutes from downtown, and definitely worth the drive. Valet parking is available.

Stores include:

• Gap
• Macy’s
• Loft
• Bloomingdale’s
• Brooks Brothers
• Michael Kors
• White House Black Market

Photo courtesy The Falls

If local boutiques are more your thing, be sure to check out Miracle Mile in nearby Coral Gables.