Every year, millions of Canadians flock to Florida. While the sunshine, beaches, theme parks and golf courses are obvious draws, Florida offers something else: great shopping.
As far as U.S. shopping destinations go, Florida rivals any state — with a mix of ultra-luxe boutiques, mammoth outlet malls, tree-lined shopping streets and eclectic flea markets. Whether you need a break from the sun, are looking for a rainy-day activity or are simply curious about the local retail scene, check out these shopping options in Florida’s most-visited cities.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale often tops lists as the most popular U.S. city for Canadian travellers. Beyond its beaches and vibrant nightlife, the city is also renowned for its shopping.
Sawgrass Mills: A truly iconic experience in Sunrise (about 5 kilometres from Fort Lauderdale), Sawgrass Mills consistently ranks as one of the largest shopping malls in the U.S. With more than 350 stores, shoppers can pick up everything from everyday brands to designer labels at a fraction of the price. Bonus: It has a massive food court, so you can easily spend the day.
Las Olas Boulevard: A tree-lined boulevard stretching along a pristine beach, Las Olas Boulevard offers visitors views of winding canals, elegant yachts and waterfront homes on one side, and independent boutiques and restaurants on the other. It’s known as the Greater Fort Lauderdale’s “style mile.”
Galleria Mall: Anchored by Macy’s, Dillard’s, H&M and Neiman Marcus, the Galleria Mall features 100+ stores by international brands. Just a mile from Fort Lauderdale Beach, the best way to get there is by water taxi.
Fort Myers/Naples
Southwest Florida is home to the luxe-lifestyle haven of Naples and the bigger, vibrant city of Fort Myers. If you’re looking to shop, you can’t go wrong in the region.
Miromar Outlets: Voted “The Best Shopping Center in Southwest Florida” by Tripadvisor, Miromar Outlets is a huge outlet park with over 140 shops selling top brands, designer labels and specialty goods at huge discounts. All stores promise up to 70% off retail prices! It has picturesque fountains, koi ponds, vivid murals and a children’s area to entertain the little ones.
Coconut Point Mall: For something a little more upscale (and full price), Coconut Point Mall is a 500-acre open-air shopping community pleasantly accented with lakes, fountains and a boardwalk. It has nearly 130 specialty stores and big box favourites.
Fleamasters Fleamarket: This massive 400,000-square-foot flea market is the largest in Southwest Florida, with over 900 vendors offering everything from produce to paintings, clothing to electric bikes, sporting goods to antiques. It’s worth visiting for the people-watching alone.
Tin City Waterfront Shops: A casual, open-air shopping centre along the Gorden River in Naples, Tin City is a charming, historic area with independent boutiques and a variety of seafood restaurants, perfect for capping off the day.
Village Shops on Venetian Way: A colourful shopping area on the waterfront in Naples, the Mediterranean-inspired mall is home to top-tier retailers, art galleries and restaurants. Stunning views of the waterfront are included free of charge.
Fifth Avenue South: The hottest shopping spot in Naples is right downtown. Most businesses are locally owned and have been for decades, which has helped the street retain its old Florida charm. It’s the place to be for one-of-a-kind gifts and clothing.
Orlando
Whether you’re looking for a break from the theme park, tennis court or golf course while vacationing in Orlando, visit one of these renowned shopping destinations for great deals and fun finds.
The Florida Mall: Located just minutes from the Orlando International Airport, Walt Disney World Resort, and other attractions, the Florida Mall is Central Florida’s largest shopping centre, with 1.8 million square feet of retail space. In addition to its 250 shops, restaurants and entertainment options, it has a 3,000-square-foot Play Park for kids. The mall attracts millions of visitors every year.
The Mall at Millenia: For the ultimate luxury shopping experience in Orlando, head to this stunning centre with a wide range of luxury boutiques and popular brands.
Disney Springs: You don’t need to be on the hunt for Disney merch to appreciate Disney Springs (although it is home to the world’s largest Disney store). Stop by to shop popular brands or support local artists selling hand-painted apparel or personalized goods.
Park Avenue in Winter Park: The quaint neighbourhood of Winter Park is known for its tree-lined streets, charming parks, historic homes and Park Avenue – a walkable 10-block area with over 100 one-of-a-kind shops and luxury brands.
Outlets, outlets and more outlets: The city of Orlando is full of outlets! The Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets is one of the best luxury outlet malls in the city, the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores offers up to 75% off and Orlando International Premium Outlets is the largest outlet mall in the state and close to the theme parks.
Miami
From gleaming malls to celebrated shopping districts, Miami is a great destination for luxury and style. While you may be able to find some deals, bargain shopping is not in the city’s wheelhouse.
Lincoln Road: Lincoln Road is one of the most iconic shopping destinations in Miami. A pedestrian-friendly street lined with palm trees and sidewalk cafes, Lincoln Road has over 200 stylish shops, bars, restaurants and galleries.
Aventura Mall: The fourth-largest mall in the U.S. and the largest in Florida by square feet, Aventura Mall has over 300 luxury boutiques and shopper favourites. Anchored by Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, it is a premier shopping destination in South Florida.
Miracle Mile: Not a mall, per se, Miracle Mile is a half-mile strip in the centre of Miami’s Coral Gables neighbourhood, known for its over 200 independent boutiques and specialty stores. In the market for a wedding dress? This is the place to go.
Bal Harbour Shops: One of Miami’s most stylish and expensive shopping malls, Bal Harbour Shops is just north of Miami Beach. With a wide array of designer and luxury brands, the spot often attracts celebrity shoppers.
Brickell City Centre: This 5-storey, 3-block-wide mall sits right in the middle of downtown Miami. It has a range of upscale shops and restaurants, making it a destination for shoppers and diners alike.
Tampa
The shopping scene in Tampa is diverse to say the least, with outlet malls, specialty stores and farmers markets.
Hyde Park Village: Set in the historic district of Hyde Park, Hyde Park Village is a charming, tree-lined shopping district featuring a mix of local and international brands. It’s a major shopping destination in Tampa and a great way to spend an afternoon.
International Plaza and Bay Street: Located next to Tampa International Airport, this indoor mall has a wide range of brand-name stores and high-end designer brands, with a mix of restaurants and bars — perfect for lunch or a night out.
The Shops at Wiregrass: Set in Northern Tampa, this upscale complex offers an eclectic mix of fashion, home décor, health, beauty and dining. Dotted with parks, benches and palm trees, shoppers feel they’re spending the day in a small town.
Tampa Premium Outlets: More than 100 stores featuring past-season items can be found at a steep discount at this outlet mall conveniently located off I-75.
Flea markets: The flea and farmers markets in Tampa are perfect for a day of treasure hunting. The Fun-La Flea Market is like a large-scale garage sale, with community vendors selling pre-loved items from clothing to appliances to toys. The 28-acre Oldsmar Flea Market is the place to go for unique collectibles and antique finds, while the Plant City Farm & Flea Market is a hot spot for bargains and farm-to-market produce. The Ybor City Saturday Market is a 20-year tradition with vendors hawking trinkets, jams, soaps, Cuban products, local honey and baked goods.
There’s truly something for every shopping style, budget and schedule in Florida. Wherever you may be staying in the Sunshine State, there’s a mall, market or tree-lined boulevard calling out to the shopper in you.
Shopping U.S. deals?
Set up your U.S. banking and credit card before you shop to make life simpler.
