Brave the crowds and save some dough at these best outlet malls in Miami, spanning the Florida Keys up to West Palm Beach.
Photograph: Courtesy Vivo! at Dolphin Mall
What do tourists like more than exploring South Beach, scarfing down Cuban sandwiches or basking on the best Miami beaches? Of course, it’s shopping in a Miami outlet mall. No shade: These bargain emporiums are loaded with just about every sale item imaginable—from clothes to housewares to accessories. Honestly, the deals at these South Florida outlets are so good that even locals will begrudgingly schlep across highways and massive parking lots and dodge swarms of lost shoppers all in the name of fashion (or whatever else). Are outlet malls in Miami pleasant? Let's just say you should avoid going on a weekend if at all possible. Will they save you loads of money? Always, so we visit them anyway.
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Miami’s answer to Fort Lauderdale’s Sawgrass Mills, Dolphin packs the usual suspects you’d expect to find in an outlet mall—Ralph Lauren, Saks Off Fifth, Gap—in a space that’s considerably smaller and easier to navigate than most bargain hubs. There’s more to Dolphin Mall than shopping, including the new Vivo Entertainment District complete with an outdoor plaza with an open-air stage for concerts.
Best for: Discount shopping when you don't want to schlep across the county line.
The famed Sawgrass Mills mall is a retail beast with 350 stores and more than 1,000 parking spaces (and valet!), plus a movie theater, stacked food courts and many, many restaurants to keep you fueled throughout your shopping adventure. The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass houses the ultimate selection of high-end designers and premium brands—from Lululemon and Kate Spade to Prada and Gucci.
Best for: Legit, deeply discounted designer goods—that you must fight through crowds to score.
This midsize outlet mall is located where the Florida Turnpike drops off and turns into U.S. 1, making it the ideal pit stop on your way to the Florida Keys. All through shopping for your beach vacation? Stock up on essentials at stores like Adidas, Coach, Crocs and Sunglass Hut. The outdoor, tree-lined mall offers a pleasant place to stroll and window shop. Without designer stores to lure label-hungry tourists, the Florida Keys Marketplace is free from large crowds—parking isn’t unwieldy either.
Best for: A stop on your way to or from the Keys.
Highlights at this outdoor destination include outlets for popular brands like Calvin Klein, Nike, J. Crew and Forever 21, plus higher-end options like Kate Spade and Lacoste. Big box favorites also make their home in the sprawling plaza, from HomeGoods to PetSmart. It’s a literal one-stop-shopping spot, but there are also legit food options nearby, like Buenisimo Café. Or if you'd rather whip yourself up something at home, swing by the on-site Whole Foods for groceries on your way out.
Best for: A more relaxing experience outside of the big city.
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