Calling All Shop-a-holics!

For some travelers, the most exciting bullet on their itinerary is going shopping. Who needs trekking and zip-lines to get their adrenaline pumping? That’s what America’s top malls are for!

We’ve found 5 of the countries largest and most unique shopping malls that are 100% worthy of rearranging that last budget you typed up. It’s time to make room for travel and shopping! Groceries? Who needs em! 

We purposely left out Minnesota’s infamous Mall of America from this list because it is TOO obvious. With 2,779,242 million feet of retail space housing over 520 stores AND an amusement park with 25 rides, a shark-filled aquarium….and did you know that people get married here?! Over 5,000 weddings to date to be exact. This mall clearly deserves it’s own blog post-stay tuned. 

Moving right along…

1. Destiny USA in Syracuse, NY.

Formerly known as Carousel Center Mall, Destiny houses an iconic carousel in the middle of the food court that is open to all to take a spin. With a mix of over 250 high end, outlet and retail stores and restaurants, a go-kart track and a comedy club, this mall caters to everyone’s unique preference on vacation.  

2. Aventura Mall in Miami, FL.

Following right behind The Mall of America, Aventura Mall is America’s second largest shopping center(in terms of square footage) with over 300 stores. What makes this mall so unique and worthy of a vacation day(even if you’re not a shop-a-holic), is the collection of Arts. Think of this mall as a shopping experience and a visit to the Art Museum at the same time. Yes, you can schedule complimentary hour-long guided tours for the first Tuesday of every month to view and learn about popular and current art collections installed on multiple levels of the mall. COMPLIMENTARY, people! Certainly worthy of planning into your next Florida vacation.

3. The Galleria in Houston, TX.

Traveling south? We know it can get hot in Texas. Luckily, The Galleria houses a full size ice skating rink and TWO swimming pools to keep you cool after wondering around the 2.4 million square feet of shopping and recreation space. You may need more than one day to get the full experience here! 

4. South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, CA. 

South Coast is the largest shopping center on the west coast and it may be because it has its own campus! What makes this mall so unique is that it shares a home with Segerstrom Center for the Arts where travelers and locals can enjoy cultural and entertainment experiences with music, dancing and art at the Tony-award winning theater. 

5. Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, CO.

Pearl Street Mall may not compete with the size factor of the above destinations, but it will certainly win you over with charm on your next Colorado vacation. Located in the heart of downtown Boulder, Pearl Street is four blocks of western charm filled with street performance, local art and crafters and one-of-a-kind stores at every corner. If you’re big on shopping local and supporting small businesses, this mall is a must visit on your next trip to the mountains. 

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If that shop-a-holic adrenaline is suddenly urging you to plan your next excursion, we don’t blame you! Just be sure to save some room in your suitcase.