At a glance
- Best near the beach: Lincoln Road in South Beach
- Best for luxury: Bal Harbour Shops and the Miami Design District
- Best for bargains: Dolphin Mall outlets
- Heads-up: malls are busiest on weekend afternoons
Shopping in Miami comes in three main styles: open-air streets such as Lincoln Road and the Miami Design District, large malls such as Aventura Mall and Brickell City Centre, and bargain outlets at Dolphin Mall. Luxury shoppers usually head to Bal Harbour Shops or the Design District, while Lincoln Road is the easiest pick if you are staying in South Beach.
Here is how the main shopping areas compare, so you can match them to your budget and where you are staying.
Where is the best shopping in Miami?
For luxury labels, go to Bal Harbour Shops or the Miami Design District. For everything under one roof, Aventura Mall is the largest choice, and for discounts, Dolphin Mall's outlets. If you only have an hour or two near the beach, walk Lincoln Road, then stay for dinner at one of its outdoor tables.
| Where | Type | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Road | Pedestrian street, open-air | South Beach | Easy browsing, chain and local stores, outdoor dining |
| Bal Harbour Shops | Open-air luxury center | Bal Harbour, north of Miami Beach | Designer fashion, jewelry, a polished day out |
| Miami Design District | Streets of flagship boutiques | North of Wynwood | Luxury flagships, architecture and public art |
| Aventura Mall | Large enclosed mall | Aventura, north Miami-Dade | Wide choice of more than 300 stores, art collection |
| Brickell City Centre | Multi-level urban mall | Brickell | Mid-range to upscale brands, dining, rainy days |
| Dolphin Mall | Outlet mall | West Miami-Dade, near the airport | Discounted brands, families on a budget |
| Bayside Marketplace | Waterfront open-air center | Downtown | Souvenirs, live music, boat tours from the marina |
| Calle Ocho shops | Independent stores | Little Havana | Hand-rolled cigars, guayaberas, Cuban coffee, local art |
Where do you go for luxury shopping in Miami?
Bal Harbour Shops and the Miami Design District are the two luxury centers. Bal Harbour is a single open-air complex with designer boutiques, department stores and restaurants, open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The Design District spreads its flagship stores across several streets, mixed with galleries and outdoor art, so it suits a slower afternoon of walking.
Is there outlet shopping in Miami?
Yes. Dolphin Mall in west Miami-Dade is the county's largest outlet center, with more than 240 stores and restaurants, including factory and off-price stores from well-known brands. It is a drive or rideshare from Miami Beach, so combine it with an airport run if you can.
What can you buy in Little Havana?
Little Havana's shops along SW 8th Street sell things you will not find in a mall: cigars rolled in front of you, guayabera shirts, Cuban coffee and colorful local art. Pair it with a walk along Calle Ocho and a stop at Domino Park.
Tips for shopping in Miami
- Go to the malls on weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds and full parking garages.
- Aventura Mall and Brickell City Centre are good rainy-day options in summer, when afternoon storms are common.
- Coral Gables' Miracle Mile is another option for boutiques and bridal shops if you are staying on the mainland.
- Check opening hours on each center's site before you go, especially on holidays.
Planning a full day? See things to do in Miami or our Wynwood guide, which pairs well with the Design District.
Tours worth booking nearby
Fly South Beach Via Flysobe Parasail
Parasail over South Beach from the historic Miami Beach Marina. Tax not included; call for details.
Food Tour of Miami's South Beach
A three-hour food walk through local South Beach spots, with alcoholic drinks included.
South Beach Segway Tour
An hour on a Segway past the Art Deco streets and Ocean Drive, with training first. Meets on 14th Street.
Questions
What is the biggest mall in Miami?
Aventura Mall in north Miami-Dade is the usual answer, with more than 300 stores and a large art collection that includes a slide tower by Carsten Höller.
Where is the best luxury shopping in Miami?
Bal Harbour Shops and the Miami Design District. Bal Harbour is a single open-air center, while the Design District spreads across several streets.
Does Miami have outlet shopping?
Yes. Dolphin Mall in west Miami-Dade is the largest outlet center in the county, a short drive west of Miami International Airport.
Is Lincoln Road worth visiting?
Yes, if you are in South Beach. It is a free, pedestrian-only shopping street with plenty of outdoor restaurants, best in the late afternoon and evening.
Sources we checked
Hours, prices and rules change. Check the official site before you go, and tell us if something here is out of date.
