As a city, Miami does not do underdressing. Wherever you go in Miami, you’ll soon see that everyone looks put together – whether it’s casually stylish everyday looks, or daring and sexy night out apparel, Miamians take their fashion choices extremely seriously. What’s more, with its young and trendy population, and plenty of buzzworthy venues to show yourself off at, Miami encourages you to be bold with your fashion choices. It wants you to embrace bright fun colors, funky patterns, and revealing dresses. Now if this is outside your usual comfort zone, and your wardrobe right now isn’t very on-brand for Miami, not to worry. A stylish population requires excellent shopping options, and Miami has no shortage of them. See our shopping guide for the best places to shop in neighborhoods across Miami, and you’ll be dressing like a local in no time.
South Beach
If you find yourself in the South Beach Area, your go-to shopping destination is Lincoln Road. This world-famous shopping street houses more than 200 retail stores, as well as vibrant dining and drinking options.
If you’re shopping on a budget, Lincoln Road is a great option for those who still want fashionable and on-trend pieces at a more affordable price point. Some of the mid-range but still very stylish options include Anthropologie, Madewell, Urban Outfitters, J Crew, Scotch & Soda. and many more. And for those chasing an even better bargain, you can check out stores like Zara, H&M, Marshalls, and Ross where with a little luck and a little searching you are sure to find some Insta-worthy outfits at a fraction of the cost.
Athleisure is the way to go in Miami, and Lincoln Road has a number of great sportswear stores to pick up a versatile matching workout set or classy bike shorts. You’ll be spoilt for choice at Lululemon, Athleta, Gap, or Aerie, where you’re bound to walk out with some ultra cool and ultra comfortable sporty looks that are certainly not limited to the gym.
And once you’re worn out from shopping, you have a couple of options. If what you need is a little refueling to get you back on your shopping feet, then grab a bite at one of the funky and delicious restaurants and cafes at Lincoln Road. For a decadent, greasy option, head to Fat Ronnie’s Burger Bar for mouthwatering burgers from beef to lobster. For a lunch that reflects Miami’s diverse Mexican and Latin American roots, Hua Hua’s Taqueria is a great small casual spot serving delicious tacos, or try Havana 1957 which offers Cuban food and drinks in a retro 1950’s inspired Cuban space. Alternatively if you’re looking to unwind after a long shopping day, Lincoln Road offers a number of Happy Hours, where you can sip on a refreshing, discounted cocktail (or five). We recommend trying the crafted cocktails and brews at Chotto Matte, Doraku, or Yard House to get started. And finally, if your shopping day is done and what you need is to lay down in the sun, then you’re in the perfect place at the Lincoln Road Beachwalk, where the shops meet the beach. It’s as easy as grabbing your bags, throwing on your swimsuit, and finding a spot on the beach to unwind. After all, your new outfits will look best with a tan.
Brickell City Center
In the downtown/Brickell area, Brickell City Center is an unparalleled shopping spot. Brickell is not only stylish, it’s also huge. It spans five blocks to the west of Brickell Avenue and south of the Miami River, and offers three levels of outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Brickell is also great for its diversity of shops – the retail options include the well-loved and worshiped luxury brands, as well as more affordable and contemporary stores for beauty, jewelry, homeware, and lots more. A luxury shopper’s paradise, one of the high-end retail highlights at Brickell is an enormous and lavish 107,000 square foot flagship Saks Fifth Avenue store. For young and expecting moms, Brickell also has a number of adorable baby boutiques to spoil your little ones at. For cute, colorful, and quality options for kids, we love Brickell for stores like Nini & Lolli and Vila Kids for a fantastic selection of clothing and accessories for their tiny guests.
But there’s more to Brickell than just shopping. Brickell is a great place to grab a nice lunch, with plenty of trendy restaurants, inviting cafes, and lively bars and coffee shops. Where to go depends entirely on what you’re craving, and you can be sure that whatever that is, Brickell has got it. If you want something to feed your mind, body, and soul, we recommend Dr Smood, a wholesome organic boutique cafe that offers healthy and nourishing options. These include detoxing juices, gluten-free sweets, and delicious salads and bowls – and all with no hidden nasties. Or for a funky, fresh fusion check out Sugar, which offers Asian-style tapas including sumptuous satay sticks and signature sushi rolls. For a freshly caught Miami seafood lunch, Luke’s Lobster serves sustainably sourced lobster, crab, and shrimp dishes – don’t miss out on their signature lobster rolls with secret seasoning.
Miami Design District
As the name suggests, the Miami Design District is a creative neighbourhood and the ultimate shopping destination for all things luxury and designer. The Design District is filled with upscale boutiques and flagship luxury stores including all the classiest designer names from Chanel to Fendi to Cartier. A highlight is the enormous three story, 13,000 square foot Hermes store which opened in 2015, and is only one of three such locations in the US. What’s more, the Design District has one of the highest concentrations of jewellery stores in the world, with offerings from the most loved brands like Tiffany & Co, Cartier, Bulgari, and so many more. If you’re looking for bling, you will find it.
As well as the over 80 stores open in the District, there are also 70 home design showrooms and stores to explore. These sophisticated storefronts include Citco, Holly Hunt, Jonathan Adler, Luminaire, and Minotti to name a few.
Spanning over 18 blocks, it’s not just the shopping that’s luxurious. The area also hosts some of the best art, culture, and dining destinations that the city has to offer. Art lovers will love to explore the Institute of Contemporary Art, which is free and open to the public, and promotes the work of contemporary artists throughout Miami and abroad. And next door there is also the de la Cruz Collection of Contemporary Art which showcases the private collection of Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz and features works from the 1980’s on.
A luxury shopping day deserves an equally decadent meal, so try one of the world-class restaurants in the Design District. L’atelier De Joel Robuchon mesmerizes diners with it modern French cuisine, served in a dynamic open kitchen environment allowing for unique interactions between chef and guest. Or, for an unforgettable food hall experience, try Mia Market, a chef-driven food hall which offers carefully curated local food and drink options. The vendors prioritize unique flavors and creative dishes, ensuring that any meal is a culinary experience.
North Miami
For some high-end shopping in North Miami, two destinations stick out: Bal Harbour Shops and Aventura Mall.
Bal Harbour is the classier and more chic option of the two, with one of the most gorgeous aesthetics in Miami. Located about 45 minutes north of Miami, this beautiful outdoor mall is renowned for its grandiose style. Think of it as a tropical version of New York’s Madison Avenue – with a lush and airy vibe and fountains and greenery scattered all over. Amidst this outdoor oasis are over a hundred shops and restaurants, the majority of which are, fittingly, luxury and designer stores. Among Bal Harbour’s exclusive array of top tier stores, you’ll find all the classic favorites – Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Chanel, etc – as well as a two-story Salvatore Ferragamo, a 3000 square-foot John Varvatos, and the largest Saks Fifth Avenue in Florida. Bal Harbour is clearly not the place to chase a bargain.
Alternatively Aventura Mall is more of a typical American mall, with many more affordable retailers, as well as some designer options. Some of its stylish offerings on the lower price end include Aritzia, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Zara, as well as sportswear giants like Adidas and Nike, and over 300 other stores, Aventura Mall is also great for tech gifts, with a huge two-level Apple store. And of course, it has a solid lineup of the most coveted and expensive brands, including Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Rolex, Hermès, and much more.
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