Glittering white sand beaches, luxury resorts and nightclubs frequented by celebrities are reason enough for jetsetters to visit Miami Beach, but there’s another reason the stylish set loves SoBe: the shopping. Need the season’s hottest one-piece swimsuit to make everyone back home jealous when you Instagram a shot of yourself lounging around the pool, mojito in hand? It’s here. How about a pair of killer stilettos for a glam night out, a new clutch, or flowing maxi dress? MIA’s got it all. Read on for insider tips on Miami Beach’s best shopping spots.
Art Deco district
It’s no wonder the Kardashian Klan (see what I did there) chose the Art Deco district when they set up shop for one of their DASH stores. Not only is it just steps away from the action of Ocean Drive, but an afternoon spent browsing stores doubles as sightseeing since the whole area has kept the Art Deco look that’s drawn design buffs to Miami Beach for decades.
The white stucco buildings feature geometric facades in bright or pastel variations, and tenants have maintained the original charm by subtly adding their logos. Safe to say you’ve never seen a Banana Republic that looked this cute before!
Duck off of the charming streetscape and head into the boutiques along Washington and Collins Avenues which don’t disappoint. Along with the Kardashian-kurated kollection at DASH (OK I’ll stop now), you’ll find crowd-favourites like A/X Armani, Victoria’s Secret, Free People, Steve Madden and Zara. Bonus: Stores are open late, just in case you can’t pry yourself away from the pool until after sunset.
Insider tip: Time your trip for the annual Art Deco Weekend, a three-day festival held along Ocean Drive featuring walking tours, entertainment, fashion shows and vintage vendors.
Lincoln Road
Follow the coastline north, and you’ll soon hit one of the most happening spots in Miami Beach (after Ocean Drive, of course): Lincoln Road. The blocks-long, open air mall is the perfect spot to spoil yourself at one of the 130+ stores, then spend the rest of the night dining al fresco and people watching.
Lincoln Road delivers when it comes to variety, with retailers for every budget including lululemon, Macy’s, J Crew and my fave, All Saints. There’s also a CB2 furniture store for interior inspiration, a cigar shop to bring home a gift for your man, or even The Dog Bar where you can pick up a present for your pooch.
Insider tip: If SoBe partying is catching up with you, head to Lincoln Road on Sunday when the Farmers’ Market rolls into town. A fresh-made tropical fruit smoothie might be just the thing to give you that much-needed boost.
Bal Harbour
Fashionistas take note: Bal Harbour Shops is the place to see and be seen. Featuring designer trunk shows and styles straight off the Paris runways, this spot on the south point of Miami Beach can’t be beat.
Over 100 retailers call Bal Harbour home, and they’re as luxe as it gets. Valentino, Van Cleef & Arpels, Alexander McQueen, Prada, Oscar de la Renta and Chanel are just a few of the spots frequented by Miami’s most well-heeled, while La Perla and Agent Provocateur ensure they also look good without clothes on.
Insider tip: Saks Fifth Avenue hosts a steady stream of events including fragrance unveilings and the aforementioned trunk shows.
Miami Design District
Still have money to burn after a visit to Bal Harbour? Perfect: your next stop should be the Miami Design District, which is just across the bay from Miami Beach.
If its moniker wasn’t enough to tip you off, the Design District is where you’ll find fantastic art galleries and high-end furniture stores, framed by incredible venues and sculptures. Fashionistas don’t have to go far to find luxury retailers including Christian Louboutin, Billionaire Italian Couture (yes that’s a real thing), Harry Winston and Hermes.
Insider tip: Just a short distance from the Design District you’ll find the Wynwood Walls. Once a dilapidated area, it’s completely morphed into the city’s hottest art scene and features amazing brightly-hued murals which are constantly changing. The pedestrian-friendly area also has great restaurants and a monthly Art Walk.
Aventura Mall
While Aventura Mall isn’t technically in Miami Beach, I would be remiss to not tell you about it because IT’S AMAZING. The mall literally smells like luxury, which is no surprise considering it’s home to prestigious retailers such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Burberry, Dior, St. John, Fendi, Tiffany & Co….well, you get the idea.
For those of us whose bank accounts sadly can’t support our expensive taste, you’ll be glad to know there are hundreds of other stores such as 7 For All Mankind, BCBG, Anthropologie, Bloomingdale’s and my guilty pleasure, Nordstrom. Spas, a food court and movie theatre round out the offerings, which are sure to keep you occupied all day long in the event you need to escape one of the frequent Florida downpours.
Insider tip: Don’t have wheels? No problem. There are buses that go straight to Aventura Mall from both Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale.
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