Contributed by Lindsay Shugerman, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru
South Florida…land of amazing beaches, exotic flowers, A-list celebrities and … great shopping.
Whether you’re visiting sunny South Florida and are looking for a shopping break, or you’ve just moved to this tropical wonderland, finding the best shopping malls can be challenging in such a large area. But we’re here to help … here are the top ten shopping malls in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area.
10. The Falls
Great shops in a tropical setting, surrounding waterfalls and ponds — that’s what you’ll find at the Falls. This South Miami area open air shopping mall is the perfect way to combine exceptional shopping with all the beauty of South Florida’s sunshine and tropical breezes.
If a full day of shopping for bargains and deals is in your plans, head west on Sunrise Boulevard to Sawgrass Mills. This giant mall features hundreds of outlets for today’s top retail chains. And when it’s time for lunch, dinner or a snack, their super-sized food courts and delicious full-service restaurants are sure to have something for every taste.
Head north into Palm Beach county to find one of the most beautiful indoor malls in South Florida. Located in upscale Boca Raton, this mall has the department stores and shops savvy shoppers want, including Bloomingdales, Ralph Lauren, Montblanc, Bose and Neiman Marcus.
7. Mizner Park
While you’re in Boca, make time to visit Mizner Park. This elegant open-air shopping area features high end boutiques, fine restaurants and an open-air concert venue that hosts top notch performers from rock, country, jazz and classical genres.
Luxury, South Florida style — that’s what you’ll find at Bal Harbour Shops. Browse through Fendi, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Chanel and other exceptional retailers while strolling under tropical palm trees caressed by breezes from the near-by ocean.
Make some time to people watch while you dine at one of the delicious cafes…that familiar face you spot at the next table might be the one you saw last in a movie or on TV. Bal Harbour is a place to see and be seen while you shop.
Head west on Pines Boulevard in suburban Broward county to find the Pembroke Lakes Mall.
This beautiful, family-friendly mall is home to the most popular retail chains like dELiAs, Nine West, Coach, Champs and Hot Topic. As well as smaller boutiques and shops like Things Remembered. A children’s play area makes this mall a great rainy-day destination for moms and dads with small kids in tow.
North Miami Beach is home to Aventura Mall, one of the largest and most elegant indoor shopping malls in South Florida. With Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s as the flagship department stores, and specialty shops like The Ferrari Store, Coccinelle and Braccialini, and Steve Madden, this is fine shopping with all the comfort of an indoor mall setting.
3. Dadeland
From its modest origins as an open-air mall to its current elegant indoor mall design filled with leading retailers, Dadeland Mall has been a part of the South Florida shopping experience for over 40 years. With over 185 stores and shops, this is a South Miami shopping mecca.
Lincoln Road Mall offers the Miami Beach shopper a tropical, fun and exciting place to shop, browse, dine and enjoy entertainment. Wander the palm-tree lined pathways and listen to an exhilarating mix of tropical birds and local music. Then stop off for a meal or snack in one of dozens of shady outdoor cafes before you return to exploring the many shops and stores that line this pedestrians-only street.
1. Bayside
Sure, there are South Florida shopping malls that have more shops or bigger stores. But Bayside in Miami earns its number one place because it’s a unique mix of local, national and European shops set along the edge of Biscayne Bay.
When you walk around at Bayside, expect to hear a heady mix of languages…this outdoor mall by the bay attracts visitors from all parts of the globe. With live island music most days, and breathtaking views of the bay, sailboats and the unmatched Florida sky, Bayside needs to be on your list of places to shop in South Florida.