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From enormous outlet malls to chichi boutiques on Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale shopping has the goods to make any beach-loving fashionista very, very happy. This beach town has serious shopping cred: it is home to SawGrass Mills, a Fort Lauderdale outlet mall that holds the title of Florida’s largest retail destination. With a population that ranges from millionaires to a million snowbirds, Fort Lauderdale shoppers can experience a variety of shopping options to fit any budget.
If you want to take a break from the beach and try a little (or a lot of) retail therapy, we’ve got five go-to destinations for some fun-in-the-sun Fort Lauderdale shopping.
1. Boutique Shopping: Las Olas Boulevard
With its location close to the beach, many one-of-a-kind boutiques and great eating spots, Las Olas Boulevard is a favourite Fort Lauderdale shopping destination for locals and tourists alike.
Las Olas Village, located between 11th and 16th Avenue on East Las Olas Boulevard, is home to many of Fort Lauderdale’s best locally-owned boutiques and art galleries. For the fashion-obsessed, head over to LF Stores to find hot styles for both play and dress-up. Don’t miss stopping at Shop 603 while shopping Las Olas; this sweet little shop is the place to find the perfect tee and casual Cali-style clothes.
Our perfect shopping day includes sipping a cocktail and doing some people-watching on a nice patio. Las Olas doesn’t disappoint, with tons of great restaurant options located throughout the Boulevard. Our favourites include Yolo (You Only Live Once), famous for its bottomless mimosas during Sunday Brunch, and Mangos Restaurant. We’re a big fan of Mangos’ patio, their awesome Las Olas Lemonade and their BBQ Mango salmon: double yum!
2. Fort Lauderdale Outlet Mall: Sawgrass Mills
This Fort Lauderdale outlet mall is big, really big! How big is it? At a whopping 2,383,906 square feet, it is the seventh largest mall in the United States and the largest single story mall in the U.S. Sawgrass Mills is also the second largest tourist destination in Florida after Disneyland. With its location near both the Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports, it makes for an easy stopover on your way back home… but be warned, you will need the entire day here to do it justice.
With more than 350 stores, Sawgrass Mills is a shopaholic’s dream come true. You will need a strategic action plan to get the most out of your shopping day at this bustling mall. We recommend comfy walking shoes and starting your day at the Colonnade Outlets, home to 40 exclusive outlets not found anywhere else in Southern Florida. Favourites include Neiman Marcus Last Call Clearance Center, Jimmy Choo and the Coach Factory Store; this is the place to score luxury at decent discount prices.
Another reason to get excited is the news that Century 21, one of our favourite New York City stores, is slated to open at Sawgrass Mills in 2016. This will be the first Century 21 store outside of the northeastern United States.
12801 West Sunrise Boulevard, Sunrise, Florida 33323, United States
3. Galleria Mall
Location, location, location. Galleria Mall is our go-to mall in Fort Lauderdale. Its downtown location is ideal for a quick visit when you need a new swimsuit or an extra pair of sandals for your days of sun and surf. Anchor stores include Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Dillards. It also has a P.F. Chang’s restaurant, and this in itself is reason enough to visit!
2414 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33044, United States
4. Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood
Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is a place where you can do it all in one location. With tons of unique shops, restaurants, concerts, a spa and casino, it delivers fun for all. This is also where you can stroll through Paradise, Hard Rock’s outdoor shopping and restaurant district.
You can satisfy your handbag obsession with a visit to Shooz. This “straight from the Forum Shops in Las Vegas” store boasts top handbags crafted by Raviani, Francesco Biasia, Mary Francis, and Eiffel.
1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, Florida 33314, United States
5. The Village at Gulfstream
Located halfway between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, this beautiful mall is known for its great boutique shopping, home furnishing stores, horse racing and restaurants with a happy hour obsession. It has something for everyone, and at most price points as well.
Fashionistas will love the cute and colour-coordinated accessories found at Charming Charlie. The Village at Gulfstream also has a huge West Elm store, our favourite home furnishing store, and did we mention Happy Hour? Most restaurants at this upscale mall do a decent happy hour, and our favourite spot to be happy is the Paladar Rum Kitchen and Rum Bar. We definitely approve of the $5 mojitos, margaritas, and sangria found there.
501 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009, United States
Find flight information and more great tips for travelling to Fort Lauderdale here.
Cover Photo Courtesy of Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
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