Mix shopping with sunshine at one of Greater Miami’s many outdoor marketplaces, where visitors can see the sights while filling their shopping bags, relaxing and refueling at onsite cafes, restaurants and bars…then shopping some more.
BAYSIDE MARKETPLACE
Overlooking beautiful Biscayne Bay and surrounded by a dramatic downtown cityscape — including the Port of Miami and AmericanAirlines Arena — Bayside Marketplace blends shopping with pleasure as national retailers share space with culturally distinctive merchandise and nonstop entertainment. More than 150 shops include big names like Gap, Wet Seal and Victoria’s Secret, while small carts and kiosks sell local crafts and memorabilia, exotic jewelry, leather goods and gift items from around the world. An open-air plaza invites strolling and relaxing in between purchases, as shoppers take a break from browsing to take in street performances and concerts while enjoying spectacular waterfront views.
The Bayside experience continues even after the shopping ends, though. In addition to a huge Hard Rock Cafe, Bayside offers great seafood, steak and Latin restaurants, along with scores of places to savor a quick café con leche or gelato, or to linger over fruity drinks by the bay. Next, head out under the moonlight aboard one of several sightseeing and party boats departing from Miamarina.
MARY BRICKELL VILLAGE
In Downtown Miami is Mary Brickell Village, whose tree-shaded courtyards are lined with boutiques, restaurants and bars. The serenity can make you forget that Brickell Avenue, the financial capital of Latin America, is just a block away.
COCOWALK
Coconut Grove was Miami’s first neighborhood and remains one of its most picturesque — an area of frequent festivals, endless street life, eccentric artists and sophisticated arts. At the heart of “the Grove” is CocoWalk, a multicultural marketplace. This open-air shopping, dining and entertainment destination invokes the ambiance of a European town square amid South Florida’s tropical atmosphere, and offers something for everyone.
Unique boutiques nestle between national retail favorites like GAP, Cheesecake Factory, Fat Tuesday, Maui Nix Surf Shop, Edward Beiner Eyewear, and the exclusive First Flight Out, a Pan Am historical exhibit and retail store.
When the sun sets, CocoWalk heats up with live music and art strolls, as well as bars and restaurants for drinks, dining and desserts. Celluloid lovers can also catch a flick in the ultramodern Paragon 13 movie theaters.
SHOPS AT SUNSET PLACE
In the city of South Miami, south of Coconut Grove near the University of Miami, colorful streetscapes point the way to dozens of specialty stores in the Shops at Sunset Place. Spacious piazzas set a soothing tone for shopping, dining, movie-going and martini-sipping. While readers browse in Barnes & Noble, fashionistas can check out the Armani Exchange, Banana Republic, Urban Outfitters and a host of other stylish shops, or skip shopping in favor of the fun waiting at the Gametime entertainment zone, the AMC Sunset Place 24 with IMAX Theatre, and Splitsville Luxury Lanes & Dinner Lounge.
VILLAGE OF MERRICK PARK
In Coral Gables, the Village of Merrick Park is home to 115 leading shops and restaurants that surround a courtyard with tropical gardens and fountains; Juicy Couture, Burberry, CH Carolina Herrera, and Tiffany are among the elegant choices.
THE FALLS
Farther south, waterfalls and covered walkways complemented by lush flora make The Falls a serene place to shop. Boasting more than 100 shops and restaurants, anchored by Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, The Falls is one of the nation’s largest open-air shopping centers, with Apple Computer Store, Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware, bebe, Nine West and Williams-Sonoma among the specialty retailers. T.G.I. Friday’s, Johnny Rockets, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Los Ranchos and other eateries await those who need to build their strength for more shopping.