Shopping in Miami is always a must-do when in Florida thanks to its glamorous reputation, a fantastic array of retail options, and sparkling sunshine that allows for everything from outdoor artisan markets to boutique pop-ups by the beach.
If you’re a shopaholic looking for somewhere new to scour for deals, or a window-shopper who adores having a browse, then you’re sure to feel fulfilled on a trip to South Florida. Sounds amazing? Then it’s time to get organised: plan your splurging itinerary by reading our guide to the very best of shopping in Miami.
Malls
America is the birthplace of the mall, so no shopping in Miami would be complete without a visit to one of these three incredible shopping centres.
Dolphin Mall
If you ask locals which the best mall in Miami is, most will namecheck this huge complex.
With over 240 stores, multiple dining options, and even a bowling alley (and cinema), you can spend your entire American getaway here and not get bored.
In the northwest of the city, it’s easily accessible and has thousands of parking spaces, but even so it’s better to arrive early to beat out the crowds.
Although technically not an outlet store, one of Dolphin Mall’s best attributes is the number of discounts on offer.
It’s not too hard to snag designer brands for prices that are more than reasonable, and you have the added bonus of being able to celebrate your savings with a happy hour drink at one of the bars that dot the mall.
What more could you want when shopping in Miami?
There are also numerous dining options, which offer everything from gelato to ceviche. Dolphin Mall really does have everything you want from a shopping experience.
Mall of the Americas
A short hop from Miami International Airport – so perfect for those last-minute souvenir purchases – Mall of the Americas is as iconic as it is packed full of shopping options.
Whether you’re looking for new clothes, hunting equipment, a new bed, or something in between you will find it shopping in Miami.
After all, there’s a reason this mall has been running successfully for over half a century and why it’s a top-notch attraction when it comes to shopping in Miami.
While there is the opportunity to buy high-end threads here, the mall has plenty of off-price stores like Marshalls to explore.
Plus, if you’re feeling peckish, the food court is conveniently located just by the main entrance.
Here you can indulge in all sorts of cuisines, although the Central and South American options are particularly good thanks to the heavy Latino presence in the city. Make sure you pay the Mall of the Americas a visit on your shopping in Miami trip.
Brickell City Centre
Conceived as a “shopping and mixed-use project”, Brickell City Centre is an amalgamation of Miami shopping destination, boutique apartments, and top-class dining options.
With four levels of upmarket stores to choose from, you can shop for clothes, cosmetics, and everything else with ease.
There are also a few spa options around, in case you need a relaxing break from meandering between shops.
We’ve already mentioned the great food at Brickell City Centre, but it has to be experienced to really understand just how much variety there is. Craft beer, sizzling steaks, and delicately spiced broths from East Asia are just some of the things you can tuck into, in between splashing the cash. If you’re keen to go shopping in Miami but want a luxurious experience, there’s no better spot.
Outdoor Markets and Boutique Districts
If you prefer quirk and character to convenience and off-price bargain hunting, then Miami has a whole other world of retail that’s just for you. Below are some of the best options when shopping in Miami.
Lincoln Road Mall
Not so much a market as an outdoor mall with attitude, Lincoln Road Mall stretches along ten blocks and is home to a combination of high street favourites, quirky independent stores, and upmarket boutiques.
Thanks to its outdoor location it’s also blessed with an incredible number of food trucks and charming bars with patio seating, making it the perfect place to while away a day (while making sure your credit card gets some good use when shopping in Miami).
Lincoln Road Mall is also only a few roads over from the beach, only adding to its convenience.
If you’re unfortunate enough to get caught in some rare Miami rain, there’s also plenty of indoor space, including a movie theatre. When it comes to shopping in Miami, you couldn’t ask for more.
Miracle Mile
In the heart of the upscale Coral Gables neighbourhood, Miracle Mile is the sort of district you wander into and never want to leave.
Aside from the vast array of shopping in Miami options, there’s gorgeous architecture to take in, a wealth of world-class dining options to devour, and cultural highlights like art galleries and a theatre in case you want to split up the shopping with some more intellectual pursuits.
While walking down the tree-shaded boulevard, you’ll find dozens of independent artisans selling their wares.
Speciality shops are also at the heart of what makes Miracle Mile one of Miami’s best shopping destinations, allowing you to find truly unique gifts.
And best of all, you can end your day of retail with a long drink under the longer sun, at one of the dozens of bars with outdoor seating that line the street. A perfect day out for any shopaholic.
Miami Design District
Styled as a “creative neighbourhood and shopping destination”, Miami Design District is where the city’s cool kids go to spend their cash.
Class oozes through the designer clothing stores and bespoke car manufacturers, and while here you’re surrounded by some of America’s most scenic architecture, and a curated public art programme that winds through the streets.
There are also a few cultural institutions to visit in the district, so you can supplement your shopping with viewing some high-end art.
With that all said, there’s no doubt the highlight here is shopping. There are over 120 flagship stores, from Hermes to Fendi, as well as personal shoppers available to guide you through your retail journey.
If you want a truly upmarket shopping in Miami experience, then the Miami Design District is the destination for you.
Bal Harbour Shops
While this iconic Miami shopping destination could be considered a mall, it was primarily designed with the idea of outdoor shopping in mind.
Founded over fifty years ago, Bal Harbour was one of the first shopping centres in the country to focus primarily on lifestyle retail instead of mixing it with more regular needs, like groceries.
Developer Stanley Whitman also wanted to make shopping in Miami an enjoyable experience, so made sure this project celebrated the beauty of Miami as well as being a great place for shopping in Miami.
In modern times Bal Harbour Shops remains home to numerous upscale brands and specialist designer stores, making it an ideal place to wander and window-shop.
And, like everywhere on this list, there’s a fantastic mix of dining options, from chic cafes to upscale restaurants.
The BHL name is also so strong that they’re considered a tastemaker in the region, so what you see here is what will be popular in the near future. If you’re looking to stay on the cutting edge of fashion, then this Miami shopping destination is a must-visit.
Ready to be laden with shopping bags under the Miami sun? Download the Orbzii app today to Dream, Plan, and Book your South Florida retail adventure.
