A Guide to Outdoor Shopping in Miami

Shopping malls in Miami go beyond the traditional mall experience. Many of the shopping malls in Greater Miami and Miami Beach are outdoors, with beautiful backdrops like Biscayne Bay and tropical gardens. And in between browsing high-end boutiques and popular brand-name stores, most of these shopping malls offer the chance for al fresco dining and top-tier entertainment.

Lincoln Road Shopping District

It doesn’t get more iconic than strolling the pedestrian-only shopping mecca, Lincoln Road in South Beach. The 8-block outdoor shopping center is dotted with trees and green spaces for play and shopping breaks, and more than 200 shops, cafes, restaurants and art galleries. You’ll find popular stores like Anthropologie, Zara, Lululemon and Apple, mixed in with Miami favorites like swim and resort brand, Luli Fama.

Rejuvenate from your shopping spree at longtime staples like Segafredo L’Originale or Rosinella Italian Trattoria. Aside from its own impressive public art that lines the street, Lincoln Road is home to cultural institutions like the Colony Theatre/Miami New Drama and New World Symphony. 

Bayside Marketplace

Whether you’re hopping on or off a cruise at PortMiami or exploring Downtown Miami, Bayside Marketplace is waterfront shopping at its best. Perched along Biscayne Bay, the outdoor market is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or grab something you may need for vacation. Visit popular shops such as Champs Sports, Steps New York, Victoria’s Secret, Foot Locker and more.

Expect a lively atmosphere with performers and music flowing from bars and restaurants. Snag a seat at any of the waterfront restaurants, from the Hard Rock Cafe to Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. If you want to see Miami in all its glory, take a spin on the 176-foot-tall Skyviews Miami observation wheel, or leave from the marina on a boat tour with Island Queen Cruises & Tours. 

Bal Harbour Shops

You’ll feel as if you’re shopping in a fancy garden at Bal Harbour Shops, tucked away in the village of Bal Harbour across from the beach. One of the oldest shopping malls in Miami at 60 years old, it’s still constantly evolving with new stores and beautiful additions. With 3 open-air floors, you’ll find all the covetable high-end brands, including Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Gucci, Balenciaga and Zimmermann in a tranquil surrounding of lush greenery and koi ponds. Locals love to meet for leisurely lunches at Carpaccio, Hillstone Bal Harbour and Makoto, and the people watching is like being front row to a fashion runway. 

Miami Design District

Follow the well-heeled, fashion crowd to the Miami Design District. Every luxury brand you can dream of resides here: Cartier, Baccarat Boutique, Fendi, Dior, Hermès and many more. The outdoor shopping center also features incredible art, rich architecture and some of the best restaurants in Miami, like Le Jardinier and Cote Miami – a Korean steakhouse.

Shops At Merrick Park

Another outdoor shopping mall bathed in sunlight and a peaceful backdrop of tall palm trees and water fountains is the Shops at Merrick Park in Coral Gables. The 3-story mall offers a mix of luxury names like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Jimmy Choo and Lafayette 148 New York; anchor stores like Neiman Marcus; and trendy boutiques from Camilla to Johnny Was and Alo Yoga.  

You can settle into a plush leather seat at the movie theater to catch the latest flick. Afterward, dine at casual spots such as Yard House or the fancier Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille. The mall is also pet-friendly.

The Shops At Midtown Miami

At The Shops at Midtown Miami, a live-work-shop district, you’ll find everything you need in a 3-block radius. Mark off your home or vacation shopping list at Target, and browse popular discount stores like HomeGoods, Nordstrom Rack, Ross and Marshalls. There are also plenty of dining choices, with favorites like Spris Pizza and Ayesha Indian Fine Dining.

Upper Buena Vista

One of the most unique outdoor shopping spots in Miami is Upper Buena Vista. Thanks to its canopy of trees and bohemian spirit, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret collection of makers and global cuisine. You can buy everything from plants to crystals, and The House of Findings is a vintage dream with items that date back to the 1890s all the way through the 1990s. The dining options are just as interesting, with bright tropical fruit bowls from Amazonica, Turkish mezze at El Turco and a taste of Spain at Lili’s Gourmet Tapas. 

The Falls

With 100 specialty stores, The Falls in Kendall is a 55-acre favorite of families who love to shop, eat and stroll the covered walkways that weave past picturesque waterscapes and lush foliage. You’ll find traditionally loved stores including Macy’s, Sephora, Express and Coach. There’s also a range of eateries, from the popular, fast-casual sweetgreen and Shake Shack to the lively Spanish restaurant, Bulla Gastrobar.