By: Angela Caraway-Carlton
In Miami, you don’t have to sacrifice time in the sunshine for retail therapy; fashionistas can have the best of both worlds. Swaying palm trees, lush grounds and waterfalls, the sun on your face — you can experience it all at these outdoor shopping destinations that offer pretty much any type of store or boutique that you’re looking for. Plus, these are all one-stop destinations for refueling with food and drinks after setting your credit card on fire.
Bal Harbour Shops
This open-air shopping center located in the swanky village of Bal Harbour boasts 100 luxury retailers with a who’s-who in high fashion like Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Balmain along with a forever-growing roster of brands like luxury footwear Aquazzura, diamond ring favorite De Beers and Australian fashion plate Zimmermann. Guests can float through three floors of boutiques tucked in between a lush landscape of palm trees, koi ponds and fountains — and then find a seat at a trendy restaurant like longtime staple Carpaccio, Makoto or Le Zoo to watch the parade of fashionistas. Looking ahead, Bal Harbour Shops is planning an expansion that will nearly double the space and make way for around 40 additional luxury boutiques.
Merrick Park
Shops at Merrick Park
Primely situated in Coral Gables, the Shops at Merrick Park is another airy shopping destination where you’ll find upscale stores in a gorgeous outdoor setting. With a central courtyard dotted with soaring water fountains and winding walkways flanked by palm trees, this three-story mall offers more than a 100 high-end stores and restaurants, ranging from big retailers like Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom to trendy spots such as Anthropologie, Eberjey and Madewell. You’ll also find several eateries — like the popular sports bar, Yard House — a movie theater and even fitness centers to break a sweat.
Bayside Marketplace
With a prime location near PortMiami, Bayside Marketplace is a lively and colorful waterfront marketplace with stunning views of Biscayne Bay. You’ll often arrive to energetic live music (that will surely boost your shopping mood) to peruse a mix of national retailers along with locally owned spots where you can pick up souvenirs or vacation items like flip flops or a hat. If all that shopping makes you hungry, there are restaurants like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Hard Rock Café along with local favorites like Segafredo. Our suggestion? Grab a bite to eat and sip a classic mojito by the water.
Lincoln Road Mall
Lincoln Road Mall
Miami’s most famous pedestrian-friendly mall on South Beach should always top your shopping list — the eight-block mecca of shopping, dining and entertainment is constantly bustling with a mix of locals and tourists, and is the ultimate spot for people-watching. Expect to find mainstream stores that you’d find at an indoor mall like Macy’s, Zara and Forever21 sprinkled with locally-owned shops like Books & Books. Grab a seat at al fresco restaurants to catch a constant parade of local characters, street performers and well-dressed dogs, or sample one of the new food halls.
Española Way
Not too far from Lincoln Road is Española Way, a pedestrian-only street tucked between Washington and Pennsylvania Avenues that’s always alive with activity. The cobblestone street is adorned with hanging lights and lined with dreamy Mediterranean-style buildings, along with a few unique specialty stores. Cozy up at sidewalk cafes like authentic French restaurant, A La Folie Café, get a sugar-rush at Happy Place Donuts, or find other spots that offer live music and even flamenco dancers.
The Shops at Midtown Miami
This is the place to mingle with Miamians running errands or popping in for some shopping and a bite to eat. With more than 50 restaurants and shops like big-box retailers Target, West Elm, Homegoods, Nordstrom Rack and Marshalls, the open-air mall is always bustling with a mix of visitors and locals, many of whom live nearby in the upscale high rises. The winding shopping destination, which takes up several blocks, cranks up at night as people flock to some of Miami’s best restaurants such as Blackbrick Chinese, Sugarcane and more.
Village at Gulfstream Park
Betting on fast horses and fast-paced shopping – it’s a win-win. This shopping center in Hallandale is an outdoor maze of major retailers, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, a casino and a world-class horse track. If you’re in the market for household items and furniture, expect trendy stores like West Elm and Crate & Barrel, along with clothing stores and a variety of dining options ranging from Brio Tuscan Grille to Texas De Brazil.
Upper Buena Vista
Located just north of Wynwood and Miami Design District, Upper Buena Vista (or UBV for short) is a shopping sanctuary that’s built around towering trees. While shopping can often be a frantic experience, UBV feels as if you’ve escaped to a calming oasis that encourages you to linger. What’s truly different is the small size of the 20-plus shops, appropriately called micro boutiques. You’ll find rare vintage pieces at The House of Findings; a modern approach to African clothing, handbags, hats, jewelry and home décor at Iniva; and clothing and accessories splashed with inspiring quotes and religious messages at True Joy.
The Shops at Sunset Place
The Shops at Sunset Place
Situated in South Miami, consider the Shops at Sunset Place a one-stop destination for shopping and entertainment where you can roam the expansive piazza to find a store of your liking. Those looking to redecorate their home will find modern furnishings at Z Gallerie; the retro crowd looking to score unique vintage gems should scour Twice Vintage; and the teens and tweens will love Forever21 and a host of other stylish shops. When you’re done shopping, see a movie at the AMC Sunset Place 24 with an IMAX Theatre, or aim for a strike at the upscale bowling alley, Splitsville.
The Falls
Known as one of Miami’s largest open-air shopping centers, The Falls located in Kendall is another relaxing spot to browse high-end shops like Bloomingdales and kids’ favorites like American Girl. Grab the whole family to stroll the covered walkways flanked by tropical lush foliage and a million-gallon waterscape, as you swipe your credit card at a wonderland of 100 stores and restaurants.
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