Mall shopping is an all-American pastime that's become part of the national culture. As such, the US is a shopping utopia where you'll find some of the world's best retail destinations, from New York and California to more unexpected hotspots such as Maryland. For outlets bursting with bargains, precincts glittering with glamorous boutiques and indoor entertainment aplenty, here are the top 30 US locations for a mood-boosting trip to the mall.
This giant Southwest shopping hub is a retail powerhouse brimming with everything from department stores including Neiman Marcus and Macy’s to exclusive shops such as Prada, Bulgari and Cartier. The mall’s ongoing luxury upgrade will add even more luxe shops including Arizona’s first Saint Laurent. High-end dining is on offer too, with the standout option being a branch of Nobu. For VIP treatment, the mall offers private shopping experiences with exclusive access to luxury brands.
Manhattan’s premium skyscraper mall occupies a prime spot on the south-western corner of Central Park, offering indoor retail therapy in the heart of the Big Apple. Smart boutiques and popular shops include Mac, H&M, Ted Baker, Jo Malone, J.Crew and Coach to name a few. The Shops at Columbus Circle are also a great place to watch Manhattanhenge, when the sunrise or sunset aligns with the city’s east-west grid of streets. Visit guest services on the ground floor for VIP shopping and dining passes offering discounts and perks.
The elegantly designed Valley River Center is Oregon's premier regional shopping hub, bringing together department stores JCPenney and Macy’s with local retailers and high street shops like Forever21, The Body Shop and Victoria’s Secret, plus a bowling alley and cinema. Stop for a bite to eat at one of 16 outlets and restaurants, including Texas Roadhouse and Fuji Japanese Steak House.
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In the heart of the Vegas Strip, The Forum Shops at the famous Caesars Palace embody the Vegas spirit of luxury and excess. That means you can browse iconic brands such as Jimmy Choo, Dior, Chloe, Cartier, Burberry, Armani and Versace, or dine at a delicious selection of steak, seafood and Italian restaurants in an elaborate Romanesque setting. Popular high street stores such as H&M, All Saints, Guess, Levis and Lush can be found here too, with regular seasonal sales and promotions.
Washington’s top mall rivals the biggest and best across the US, with more than 300 eateries, department stores and specialty shops arranged around slickly-designed atriums. An easy 20-minute drive from DC’s monuments, shoppers can find everything from department store staples Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s to high-end brands Michael Kors and Louis Vuitton alongside a multi-screen IMAX movie theatre and a National Geographic-sponsored kids play area to keep the little ones amused while parents hit the shops.
Shopaholics can find their happy place at the King of Prussia mall, which is the most expansive on the East Coast, located just outside Philadelphia and boasting eight department stores, 400 shops and more than 40 restaurants. Alongside the usual anchor stores like Macy’s, you can browse a large Primark and Dick’s Sporting Goods for bargains. The mall’s luxury offering is constantly expanding too, with Balenciaga and Versace shops added this year. Several hotels in the area offer mall packages to enhance the experience.
This chic and modern mall in Uptown Houston is a shopper’s delight, with three million square feet (278,700 sqm) of retail heaven to explore under light glass-roofed atriums. There are more than 400 stores lining the polished walkways including a large Urban Outfitters and stunning Louis Vuitton boutique, as well as an indoor ice rink, pool and spa. Two smart hotels – the Westin Galleria and the Westin Oaks Houston – are connected to the development, making staying nearby a breeze.
With more than 180 shops, entertainment offerings and dining outlets, Grapevine Mills is northern Texas’ biggest outlet shopping destination, with bags of deals on desirable brands and a location just north of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Alongside its retail halls, the mall boasts the fantastical Meow Wolf exhibition space and a Legoland Discovery Center with fun interactive rides, a 4D cinema and water playground.
A family-friendly retail destination just a stone's throw from Disneyland California, The Outlets at Orange is more than a shopping mall, boasting everything from a huge indoor Vans skatepark, high ropes course and rock-climbing to a bowling alley, day spa and mechanical bull. It’s also chock-full of shops such as Gap, Tommy Hilfiger and H&M, offering daily discounts alongside a tasty selection of eateries.
Visiting San Francisco and looking for a great spot to stock up on designer gear and browse the rails? San Francisco Premium Outlets offers retail therapy in spades. The open-air mall includes large outlets for Prada, Gucci, DKNY, Coach and athletic clothing brand Under Armour, plus Guess and Nike factory stores. Located in California’s oldest wine region, tourists can wind down at a beautiful local vineyard after a day hitting the shops. It’s worth stopping by for Asian food here too with authentic Chinese at Wok-a-Holic and brand new Japanese restaurant Suki Hana.
With more than 2,000 retailers to satisfy even the most determined shopaholic, Arundel Mills is Maryland’s largest shopping centre. Bargain hunters will find a medley of brand outlets including The Disney Store and Michael Kors, plus Coach and Polo Ralph Lauren factory stores to save on stylish threads. Easy to reach from both Baltimore and Washington DC, the centre offers diners, outdoor restaurants, movie theatres and a casino, so visitors can eat, shop and play all in one spot.
Tranquil ponds, tropical landscaping, atriums featuring live entertainment and a Pacific Ocean breeze create an attractive environment for a day of browsing and dining at the world’s largest open-air shopping centre. As well as American mall staples such as Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, the centre, in Hawaiian state capital Honolulu, features luxe retailers including a large Louis Vuitton store plus local boutiques selling island wares and a food court filled with all kinds of tasty food outlets. Check out the daily Hula Show on Centerstage.
This buzzing open-air mall in central LA is widely considered the city’s best shopping destination. Arranged around a dancing fountain, The Grove has a medley of popular shops including Coach, Gap, Sephora, Nike and Apple, with a vintage tram running through the village. Alongside a range of alfresco dining options and a 14-screen Art Deco-inspired movie theatre, the mall hosts appealing pop-ups and events by major brands such as Lululemon and Converse. There’s also an authentic farmers' market right next door where you can stock up on fresh local produce.
For the best high-low shopping in New York with savings of up to 65%, Woodbury Common has the world’s largest collection of designer outlets including Prada, Burberry, Gucci and Armani just an hour's drive north of NYC. Stroll the charming pedestrian lanes where you’ll be sure to find your favourite stores and bag desirable designer items without the expensive price tag.
Just west of Miami International Airport, Dolphin Mall is Miami’s largest outlet with more than 200 retailers. Its location makes it perfect for travellers to stock up on wardrobe essentials and browse for great-value gifts and treats. The mall’s new Vivo! entertainment district brings together diners, live music and nightlife alongside a spectacular Imax cinema. Visitors staying at the mall’s Courtyard by Marriott hotel can receive exclusive shopping perks.
One of America’s most sprawling malls, Woodfield covers 2.2 million square feet (204,390 sqm) and is jam-packed with prominent department stores Nordstrom, Macy's and JCPenney, plus retailers Apple, Michael Kors, Anthropologie, Boss, Zara and many more. The mall recently added a new world-class Dining Pavilion with 11 eateries. There’s also stellar entertainment on offer for young and old with Peppa Pig World of Play for small kids and comedy shows at The Improv Comedy Club for the grown-ups.
Mall of America is the USA’s biggest indoor shopping mecca and an absolute must-visit for some serious retail therapy, receiving around 40 million visitors per year. Just outside the twin cities of St Paul and Minneapolis, the megamall is much more than a collection of shops, featuring family attractions including the country’s largest indoor theme park; a sea life centre with an underwater viewing tunnel; a branch of the popular Rainforest Cafe; plus more than 50 other dining outlets.