Your Guide to a Miami Shopping Spree

Miami is a shopaholic’s paradise

If you’ve come to shop, Miami is a treasure trove of both high-end and approachable shopping experiences in a wide variety of settings. Whether it’s a classic shopping street like Lincoln Road in South Beach, a world-class mall in Aventura or a swanky neighborhood full of luxury flagship boutiques known as the Miami Design District, Miami’s shopping offerings are vast and plentiful. They also provide a fun day of recreation that goes beyond shopping, with spots to take a break for fabulous dining, entertainment and cultural activities. Read on for your Miami shopping spree guide so you can plan to hit all the best shopping neighborhoods, strategically.

South Beach

South Beach is a major destination for al fresco shopping. Its iconic shopping street is  Lincoln Road. This outdoor pedestrian mall runs east to west through the center of South Beach. It’s a hub for shopping, café-style dining and serious people-watching. Look for high-end boutiques like Alchemist and Intermix as well as recognizable brands like H&M, Zara, Forever 21, Athleta, Banana Republic and Lululemon. Plus, a trip to Lincoln Road isn’t complete without ducking into Miami’s own independent bookstore, Books & Books. Lincoln Road is also home to two food halls, Time Out Market and Lincoln Eatery, offering boundless options for a lunchtime shopping break.

Española Way is another pedestrian street on South Beach, just a few blocks south of Lincoln Road. It’s a charming street with buildings epitomizing Mediterranean Revival architecture. Stroll through shops like White Cotton Club, Española Cigar and SoBe Unique Shoes. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants to choose from here.

Collins Avenue runs perpendicular to Lincoln Road and Española Way. The largest concentration of shops on this busy avenue is south of Lincoln Road, where you’ll find shops like Sephora, Uggs, True Religion and Victoria’s Secret. If you're into designer brands, there are Arden B and Armani stores as well.

North Miami-Dade Area

Bal Harbour Shops

Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus anchor Miami’s most luxurious and iconic outdoor mall, Bal Harbour Shops. With lush, tropical palms, limestone walkways, koi ponds and art installations, it’s home to every designer flagship under the sun. Ideal for aspirational window shoppers or those inclined to splurge, shops include Chanel, Prada, Valentino, Versace, Van Cleef & Arpels and more. The French bistro Le Zoo, from restaurateur Stephen Starr, is the perfect place to refuel with some French onion soup and a glass of white wine.

Aventura Mall

Consistently ranked one of the highest-grossing malls in the country, Aventura Mall is home to more than 300 retailers. It’s anchored by six department stores including Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom and Macy’s, and boasts luxury boutiques like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Tiffany and Co., Fendi and Burberry. Choose from more affordable brands like H&M, J. Crew and Urban Outfitters, or get your tech fix at the Apple and Microsoft stores. Aventura Mall also features 50 eateries and restaurants including the Cheesecake Factory, as well as the Treats Food Hall. You’ll also find a 24-screen AMC Movie Theatre with IMAX. Make time for the little ones to burn off some energy at the mall’s artist-designed, interactive playground or the massive 93-foot-tall glass and steel slide tower.

Downtown Miami/Brickell Area

Brickell City Centre

Brickell City Centre is one of Miami’s newest luxury shopping developments. As the name implies, it’s found in the heart of Brickell. Anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue, Brickell City Centre is home to everything from Sephora and Lululemon to Chopard and Giuseppe Zanotti. There are plenty of tantalizing foodie options including Luke’s Lobsters, Pubbelly Sushi and Luna Park. It’s also home to CMX luxury movie theater, where you can enjoy a gourmet meal in a reclining chair while watching the latest blockbuster.

Bayside Marketplace

Overlooking glistening Biscayne Bay and surrounded by the dramatic Downtown Miami cityscape, Bayside Marketplace blends shopping with pleasure. National retailers share space with culturally distinctive merchandise and nonstop entertainment. More than 150 shops include big names like the Disney Store, Sunglass Hut, GameStop, Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret, while small carts and kiosks sell local crafts and memorabilia, exotic jewelry, leather goods and gift items from around the world. An open-air plaza invites strolling and relaxing in between purchases, as shoppers take a break from browsing to take in street performers and concerts. Anchored by Hard Rock Cafe and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., plus spots like Hooters, Mojito Bar and Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Bayside Marketplace offers spectacular waterfront views. It is also home to a marina that is the embarkation point for many of Miami’s sightseeing cruises and water sports adventures.

Wynwood and the Miami Design District

Wynwood

Known for its vibrant murals, hipster bars and craft breweries, Wynwood is the place to find one-of-a-kind gifts and funky clothing stores. If you're shopping for a unique gift, step into The Wynwood Shop, where you can find anything from jewelry to art collectibles made by homegrown Miami artists. For feel-good clothing, accessories and shoes, check out Wynwood Tribe, which carries responsibly sourced items from Latin American artisans. To keep the experience going, fuel up with one of Panther Coffee's specialty drinks.

Miami Design District

The Miami Design District has swiftly morphed into the Rodeo Drive of the subtropics. Here, you’ll find major designer flagships like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Cartier, Christian Louboutin and Hermes amid breathtaking architecture and public art installations. Palm Court is home to high-end jewelers and watchmakers like Hublot, Tag Heuer and Jason of Beverly Hills. The neighborhood is anchored by the longstanding Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink. It’s the perfect spot for a down-to-earth, farm-to-table lunch in an appropriately chic setting. More recent additions to the neighborhood’s culinary offerings include Swan by Pharrell Williams and nightlife impresario David Grutman, and Ember by James Beard Award-nominated chef Bradley Kilgore.

Kendall and South Dade

Dadeland Mall

Take the journey to Kendall for a fun day at Dadeland Mall. At more than 1.4 million-square-feet, it’s home to Florida’s largest Macy’s. Other department stores include Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and JCPenney. With more than 185 stores, Dadeland features popular brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, Coach, Sephora, Adidas, Aeropostale and Baby Gap. The tech-inclined can pop into the Microsoft, Apple or Tesla stores. Make time for  a great meal at  Aoki Teppanyaki for inspired Japanese cuisine or Canadian transplant Earls Kitchen + Bar.

The Falls

A bit farther south, you can shop outdoors while surrounded by beautiful waterfalls and tropical foliage at The Falls. Macy's anchors this collection of more than 100 stores plus a variety of restaurants. For the techy crowd, make a stop at Apple. From Swarovski and Lucky Brand to Gap and Hollister, The Falls has stores for every budget and taste. For family fun, there is Build-A-Bear Workshop, Regal Cinemas movie theater, The Slime Factory and an American Girl store that hosts special events inspired by the dolls’ favorite activities.

Doral

CityPlace Doral

With exciting shopping and entertainment complexes, delicious South American restaurants and gorgeous parks, Doral is a thriving neighborhood just west of Miami International Airport. CityPlace Doral is a wonderful al fresco shopping, dining and entertainment development with a wide array of things to do. When you plan an outing to CityPlace Doral, your afternoon might include a round of bowling at Kings Dining & Entertainment, movies at CinéBistro or standup comedy at the Miami Improv. Anchored by a spectacular show fountain, shops include Agua Bendita swimwear, La Bella Mafia, Ella Boutique, The Fresh Market and Tipsy SalonBar. It’s an excellent spot to grab a bite to eat at places like Tap 42, Suviche and Mojito Latin Cuisine & Bar.

Dolphin Mall

Dolphin Mall is an outlet shopper's dream. Find more than 240 outlets including Banana Republic Factory Store, Pink by Victoria Secret, Loft Outlet, Levi’s and Saks Off 5th. This mall is not just a shopping destination, it's also an experience. Make time for some fun at Dave & Buster's or Bowlero, which offer laser tag in addition to bowling. If you want to plan a date night, check out CinéBistro or grab dinner at P.F. Chang's.

Coral Gables and Coconut Grove

Shops at Merrick Park

In lushly landscaped Coral Gables, Shops at Merrick Park is one of Miami’s most upscale outdoor shopping malls. Named for George E. Merrick, the mastermind behind the “City Beautiful,” Shops at Merrick Park is home to more than 100 stores and restaurants on three levels. Tropical gardens and fountains surround a central courtyard. The setting is peaceful, beautiful and decidedly chic. Anchored by Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, you can peruse the racks at luxury boutiques like Gucci, CH Carolina Herrera, Tiffany & Co. and Diane Von Furstenberg. Take a break for lunch and a glass of wine at Villagio or Brasserie Central. Craft beer fans will love the selection at Yard House.

Mayfair in the Grove

Located in Coconut Grove, Mayfair in the Grove is an outdoor shopping center that features artsy stores. Ling Salon will keep you looking your best. The Art Box provides a creative space for kids to experience drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed-media workshops. Popular among locals, The Spillover offers fresh-caught fish and an exciting list of ancient meads and European ciders.

CocoWalk

Known for unique boutiques, exciting dining options and live music in a festive outdoor setting, CocoWalk appeals to everyone. CocoWalk is undergoing massive renovations, with cool retailers and entertainment options coming soon. Some of these include The Spot Barbershop, Cinépolis, cocoCigar and Edite Mode. CocoWalk also houses small boutiques with goods made by local artisans. Be sure to check for updates and visit once the renovations are completed.