The Ten Best Shopping Malls in Miami
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Depending upon whom you ask, malls are either hectic battlegrounds for parking spaces or relaxing portals to retail therapy. But no matter which camp you belong to, there's no denying South Florida is a haven for malls. At a time when many shopping and entertainment centers are closing across the nation, malls are thriving and multiplying down here.
From Miami-Dade County to Broward, these are the ten best shopping malls in South Florida.
Aventura Mall
19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura
305-935-1110
aventuramall.com
South Florida likes to do things over-the-top. That might explain why the city of Aventura's namesake mall is home to a nearly 93-foot-tall tubular slide. The Aventura Slide Tower, designed by the German artist Carsten Höller, was named New Times' best cheap thrill in 2018's Best of Miami issue. Sliding down the silver sculpture is a good way to combat buyer's remorse after a long day of shopping, especially because admission is free. Sure, you can shop till you drop and stuff your face at the food court like you can do at any other mall on this list, but Aventura's expansive contemporary art collection — including works by Takashi Murakami, Virgil Abloh, the Haas Brothers, and others — makes this mall worthy of a visit even if you leave empty-handed. Catch a complimentary hourlong guided tour of the works on display beginning at 6:30 p.m. next to the koi pond in Center Court. RSVP for the tour on Aventura Mall's website.
It's no secret Miami is known for glitz and glamor. Chances are that $5,395 tweed and satin Balmain shirt jacket you saw on a guest dining at Swan came from one of the most luxurious malls in America: Bal Harbour Shops. This lush, open-air, 450,000-square-foot retail mecca, built on the site of a World War II army barracks, boasts high-end restaurants and boutiques such as Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, and Versace. If you aren't willing to spend your month's rent on a handbag, head to Books & Books, grab a light read, and relax beside the koi ponds.
Brickell City Centre
701 S. Miami Ave., Miami
786-465-6514
brickellcitycentre.com