If you need to scoop up a new pair of shoes or a stylish new outfit, you likely default to shopping online. Just call it a symptom of our ever-connected lives. But there’s something about in-person shopping that will never go out of style, like a go-to pair of black pumps or a plain white T-shirt. And that is where shopping malls come in.
You may think that shopping malls are on the outs — and, truth be told, you’re not totally wrong. An August 2020 report by Coresight Research estimated that 25% of the United States malls would close within the next three to five years, with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating the so-called death of the American shopping mall.
In 2017, the latest data available, there were about 116,000 shopping malls left in the United States. That includes strip malls, outlet shopping centers, and traditional indoor malls with heaps and heaps of stores. When it comes to those major indoor shopping monoliths, some research estimates there are only about 1,000 left in the U.S.
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Yet, the nostalgia and bustling atmosphere of shopping malls — not to mention the thrill of the in-person hunt — is arguably something Americans will always value, even if not on the same scale as pre-internet days. That’s especially true when it comes to America’s best shopping malls, which are equally massive in scale and shopper satisfaction. The best shopping malls in the United States not only feature top retailers and specialized stores, but also have an air of opulence and interest in their innovative architecture. And that’s all not to mention the extra perks of such locations, like top-tier restaurants, amazing locations, killer forms of entertainment and much more.
For more proof that the shopping mall will never totally die, check out the 25 best shopping malls in America from sea to shining sea.
1. Mall of America in Bloomington, MN
When it comes to the best shopping malls in the United States, the first location that likely comes to mind is the famed Mall of America. Since its opening in 1992, Mall of America has welcomed millions of visitors each year, becoming a tourist attraction in its own right. That being said, it’s estimated that the mall brings in nearly $2 billion in revenue each year for Minnesota. With more than 520 stores, most shoppers need several days to explore the full 5.6 million square foot location — and munch their way through its many restaurants. Equally known for its entertainment, Mall of America even features theme park rides, escape rooms, mini-golf and an aquarium for a break from shopping.
Where: 60 East Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
Hours of Operation (locally): Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Learn more: Mallofamerica.com
2. King of Prussia Mall in King of Prussia, PA
With more than 450 stores and 30 restaurants in 2.9 million square feet of retail space, King of Prussia Mall in Pennsylvania is billed as one of the nation’s top shopping destinations. As the third-largest shopping mall in the United States, Simon’s King of Prussia hosts around 20 million guests per year, raking in an estimated $1.1 billion in income. Known as an upscale shopping mall, the location features mostly luxury storefronts, though it’s anchored by a Primark and houses other more affordable retailers. You’ll need at least two days to explore the full mall, though entertainment is sparse to help channel your focus on shopping.
Where: 160 North Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406
Hours of Operation (locally): Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Learn more: Simon.com/mall/king-of-prussia
3. Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise, FL
Sawgrass Mills is often called the largest discount mall in the United States, featuring an astounding 350-plus storefronts. With 70 luxury brand outlet stores included in the mix, the mostly-indoor location is great for a designer bargain. Aside from ample deals, Sawgrass Mills includes a cinema (a rarity for outlet malls) and 45 top-notch dining options. The location has some prime real estate for tourists, located just 30 minutes from Miami International Airport and 15 minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Where: 2801 West Sunrise Boulevard, Sunrise, FL 33323
Hours of Operation (locally): Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Learn more: Simon.com/mall/sawgrass-mills
4. American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ
With an estimated 450 retail shops and 100 eateries, American Dream in New Jersey is a new mall marvel that opened gradually between 2019 and 2020. With a mix of luxury and affordable retailers, the 3 million square foot location is located just outside of New York City. The mega-mall also includes a Nickelodeon Universe theme park, a DreamWorks Water Park, an indoor ski slope, mini-golf, a skating rink, an aquarium, a mirror maze and more. Though it’s considered the second largest mall in the United States, the location isn’t strictly a shopping center. American Dream is actually estimated to be around 70% entertainment facilities and 30% retail locations by square footage.
Where: 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Hours of Operation (locally): Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Learn more: Americandream.com
5. South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, CA
At 2.7 million square feet, South Coast Plaza is the largest shopping mall in California and the fourth largest in the United States. Noted for its luxury storefronts, South Coast Plaza also has a selection of mid-level retailers amongst its more than 275 tenants. Its anchor stores include Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue, which is representative of the overall shopping mix. As one of the best shopping malls in America, South Coast Plaza pulled in an estimated $1.5 billion annually before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Where: 3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Hours of Operation (locally): Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Learn more: Southcoastplaza.com
6. Palisades Center in West Nyack, NY
Affordable malls like Palisades Center also rank on the list of the best shopping malls in America. The budget mall is a go-to destination for an eclectic mix of affordable retailers. The 2.2 million square feet mall features 225 storefronts, 16 sit-down restaurants, a bowling alley, an ice rink and a comedy club — but that isn’t all. The West Nyack, N.J., mall even features the world’s tallest indoor ropes course, making it a must-visit destination.
Where: 1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY 10994
Hours of Operation (locally): Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Learn more: Palisadescenter.com
7. The Galleria in Houston, TX
With more than 30 million visitors each year, The Galleria in Houston is a 2.4 million square foot mall, making it one of the top 10 largest malls in the country. As the largest shopping center in Texas, Simon’s The Galleria features approximately 400 stores and restaurants to explore. Its anchor tenants include Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, so you know the shopping is prime.
Where: 5085 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77056
Hours of Operation (locally): Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.
Learn more: Simon.com/mall/the-galleria
8. The Grove in Los Angeles
You’ve likely heard of The Grove, the famed outdoor shopping destination in Los Angeles noted for its unique high-end shops and adjacent farmer’s market. Mixing these luxe retailers with mid-level favorites, the art deco-inspired mall features stores like Nordstrom, Coach, Michael Kors, Vince and more. The location also features several eateries, a movie theater, and even a free electric trolley to help you hit all the must-shop destinations. The Grove is known to draw in a celebrity clientele, so you may even spot a star or two while you shop.
Where: 89 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Hours of Operation (locally): Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Learn more: Thegrovela.com
9. Destiny USA in Syracuse, NY
Located in upstate New York, Destiny USA in Syracuse combines regular retail stores with outlet stores to produce a killer complex. The all-indoor location promises savings up to 75% off at the mall’s outlet stores, including discount storefronts by Coach, Michael Kors and Nordstrom. Even though it’s one of the best malls in America, this location isn’t just for retail therapy: Destiny USA features an array of restaurant and food court options, escape rooms, laser tag, glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, a comedy club, bowling, a massive movie theater and more.
Where: 9090 Destiny USA Drive, Syracuse, NY 13204
Hours of Operation (locally): Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Learn more: Destinyusa.com
10. Arundel Mills in Hanover, MD
Located between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Arundel Mills features more than 200 discount retail stores including Coach Factory Store, Saks Off 5th, Under Armour Factory House and more. At 1.9 million square feet, Simon’s Arundel Mills is not only Maryland’s largest outlet mall but one of the largest malls in the country, period. The location isn’t low on entertainment either, featuring a movie theater, a casino and even a medieval-themed dinner and show.
Where: 7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, MD 21076
Hours of Operation (locally): Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Learn more: Simon.com/mall/arundel-mills
11. Millcreek Mall in Erie, Penn.
Among the 15 largest malls in the country, Millcreek Mall is located on prime real estate between Pittsburgh, Penn., and Cleveland, Ohio. With more than 165 storefronts and restaurants in its complex, the main one-level shopping center is anchored by Boscov’s, JCPenney, and Macy’s. At 2.2 million square feet of retail real estate, there are plenty of mid-level and affordable retailers to keep you browsing all day long.
Where: 5800 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16565
Hours of Operation (locally): Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Learn more: Millcreekmall.net
12. Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, CA
As the largest shopping malls in the western United States, Simon’s Del Amo Fashion Center is noted for its chic architecture that houses more than 250 specialty stores. With 2.5 million square feet of retail space, the California gem has 10 restaurants, including Michelin star-rated restaurant Din Tai Fung. Unique mall offerings include storefronts by Casper, Tesla and Shiseido, which are hard to find elsewhere.
Where: 3525 West Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90503
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Closed on Sunday
Learn more: Simon.com/mall/del-amo-fashion-center
13. Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, NJ
Located a stone’s throw from New York City, Garden State Plaza is a massive mall with a mix of luxury, mid-level and affordable retailers. With more than 200 stores and nearly 50 eateries, the Westfield mall is one of the top 20 largest in the nation. Billed as the second largest mall in New Jersey behind American Dream, most of the mall is actually closed on Sunday due to the county’s “blue laws,” so plan your trip accordingly.
Where: One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
Hours of Operation (locally): Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Closed on Sunday
Learn more: Westfield.com/gardenstateplaza
14. Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, NY
Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, NY features more than 250 retail stores, including Macy’s, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale’s as anchor stores. Featuring a vast selection of eateries, an AMC movie theater and glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, the mall is billed as one of the 10 largest in the country at more than 2.3 million square feet.
Where: 630 Old Country Road, Garden City, NY 11530
Hours of Operation (locally): Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Learn more: Simon.com/mall/roosevelt-field
15. SouthPark Mall in Charlotte, NC
With more than 150 stores, SouthPark Mall in Charlotte, N.C., features in-demand luxury and affordable retailers in one spot like Apple, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. With unique anchor stores like Belk, The Container Store and Dillard’s, the one-floor mall has 1.6 million square feet of retail space. The location is known for its upscale tenants and ranks as one of the most profitable malls in the country.
Where: 64400 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC 28211
Hours of Operation (locally): Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
Learn more: Simon.com/mall/southpark
16. The Shops at Columbus Circle in New York City
Located at the entrance to Central Park in New York City, The Shops at Columbus Circle combine luxury shopping with top-notch dining. Though this location only houses about 50 shops and boutiques, the opulence and prime location of The Shops at Columbus Circle makes it one of the best shopping malls in America. The large windowed atrium is, in a word, magnificent.
Where: 10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019
Hours of Operation (locally): Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Learn more: Theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com
17. Bellagio Shops in Las Vegas
If lady luck is on your side, you need to swing by the lavish Bellagio Shops in Las Vegas. As a luxury shopping mall, the shops feature designer retailers like Fendi, Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Prada and more. If you aren’t able to drop some serious dough, you may just have to window shop this exclusive mall. But the breathtaking luxury items housed at this location are grand and awe-worthy, to say the least.
Where: 3600 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Hours of Operation: Hours subject to change
Learn more: Bellagio.mgmresorts.com/en/amenities/shopping.html
18. Tysons Corner Center in Tysons Corner, VA
Located just outside of Washington, D.C., Tysons Corner Center houses more than 300 shops with Nordstrom, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s as anchor stores. The mall features grab-and-go eateries and sit-down restaurants, giving you plenty of dining options as you shop. For entertainment, check out the massive 16-screen stadium seating AMC movie theater with IMAX.
Where: 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons Corner, VA 22102
Hours of Operation (locally): Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Learn more: Tysonscornercenter.com
19. Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, HI
Named the world’s largest open-air shopping center, the Ala Moana Center in Honolulu features 350 stores and more than 160 dining locations. With 2.4 million square feet of retail space, the center includes a mix of retailers at various price points for any budget. Since the center is a popular tourist destination, the mall features a trolley service for guests staying in Waikīkī hotels.
Where: 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814
Hours of Operation (locally): Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Learn more: Alamoanacenter.com
20. Lakewood Center in Lakewood, CA
Celebrated as one of the oldest shopping malls in America, Lakewood Center in California features more than 2 million square feet of retail space housing more than 225 storefronts. First opened in 1951 with only 18 stores, Lakewood Center is largely one floor, making it quite unique compared to shopping centers built today. To fuel your shopping experience, there are diverse 30 eateries to enjoy.
Where: 500 Lakewood Center Mall, Lakewood, CA 90712
Hours of Operation (locally): Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Learn more: Shoplakewoodcenter.com
21. Aventura Mall in Aventura, FL
Touted as “the best place to shop in Miami,” Aventura Mall features a show-stopping mixture of luxury and affordable retail shops. With designer locations like Cartier, Balenciaga, Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent and Gucci, it comes as no surprise that the shopping destination is most noted for its upscale tenants. Aventura Mall also features more than 20 contemporary art installations that are worth the trip alone.
Where: 19501 Biscayne Boulevard, Aventura, FL 33180
Hours of Operation (locally): Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Learn more: Aventuramall.com
22. Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, IL
Located 40 minutes from Chicago, Woodfield Mall is more than 2 million square feet of retail space featuring nearly 300 stores and eight full-service restaurants. With Macy’s, JCPenney and Nordstrom as anchor locations, Woodfield Mall is the largest shopping location in Illinois. But the mall isn’t only for stocking your closet: Woodfield Mall also includes a comedy club and several locations for kids’ entertainment.
Where: 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Hours of Operation (locally): Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
Learn more: Simon.com/mall/woodfield-mall
23. South Shore Plaza in Braintree, MA
Just south of Boston, South Shore Plaza in Braintree, Mass., features more than 200 retailers and nine major sit-down restaurants. With a mix of classic mall retailers and hard-to-find offerings, this location is noted for housing Apple, Coach, Lego Store, Nordstrom, Macy’s and more.
Where: 250 Granite Street, Braintree, MA 02184
Hours of Operation (locally): Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
Learn more: Simon.com/mall/south-shore-plaza
24. Fashion Square Mall in Scottsdale, AZ
Known as the premier upscale mall in Arizona, Fashion Square Mall is approximately 2 million square feet of luxury-first shopping locations. It’s reportedly among the largest 30 malls in America, but that’s not what makes it one of the best shopping malls in the country. With more than 200 stores for ample browsing and buying, the three-floor shopping center delivers plenty of opportunities for luxe shopping.
Where: 7014 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Learn more: Fashionsquare.com
25. Westfield Valley Fair in San Jose, California
Westfield Valley Fair, also known simply as Valley Fair, is a popular shopping destination in San Jose, ranking as the 12th largest shopping mall in North America. With more than 200 retail stores and a little over 65 eateries, Valley Fair has all the essentials of a top shopping mall. And yes, that includes a movie theater.
Where: 2855 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Hours of Operation (locally): Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Learn more: Westfield.com/valleyfair
Click to Take a Look Back at Shopping Malls in American History
