[2023 GUIDE] The Best Places for Shopping in Fort Lauderdale

Shopping in Fort Lauderdale offers some of the best retail therapy in Florida. Millions of tourists come here with great expectations of an exciting stay, and there is no better place to shop than Fort Lauderdale. Start your shopping day at the Fort Lauderdale Galleria, only blocks from the beach and along the Intracostal. 

This landmark shopping center houses many of the world’s top brands, including Neiman Marcus, Banana Republic, and William-Sonoma. Las Olas Boulevard is another popular destination, with its elegant boutiques and sub-tropical foliage. For discount shopping of famous brands, head to Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise, a few miles west of Downtown. This mall features a variety of stores, such as Barney’s New York, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Sax Fifth Avenue, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and Target. 

Lastly, Bass Pro Shop’s Outdoor World is perfect for the sports enthusiast, offering endless equipment and supplies. Fort Lauderdale is the ideal shopping destination, so don’t forget to pencil in time to shop while you’re here!

The Best Places to Go Shopping in Fort Lauderdale

1. THE GALLERIA

The Galleria has set a new standard for shopping in Fort Lauderdale and has become one of the most popular malls in the area. Located on Sunrise Boulevard, not far from the beach, this two-story, upscale shopping center offers a variety of stores, such as Neiman Marcus, Dillard’s, Macy’s, Ann Taylor, Victoria’s Secret, Banana Republic, and the Apple Store. 

Valet parking is available for convenient shopping, and afterward, visitors can enjoy a meal at popular eateries like P.F. Chang’s, Blue Martini, and Trulucks, all within walking distance. The Galleria is highly recommended for some of the best shopping due to its popularity as a high-end shopping mall in Fort Lauderdale.

2. Sawgrass Mills Mall

Head to the suburb of Sunrise and experience Sawgrass Mills Mall, a slice of outlet heaven with over 350 stores. Whether looking for Nike, Gap, or Ralph Lauren, you’ll find something among the many storefronts.

As one of the largest value retail shopping destinations in the United States, you can easily spend the whole day here. There is a food court so you don’t have to leave when you get hungry, and an 18-screen cinema in the northeast corner to take a break from buying.

3. LAS OLAS BOULEVARD

Las Olas Boulevard is undoubtedly the most popular street in Fort Lauderdale. It is home to various unique stores, galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and nightclubs. It is also the place to be for a variety of fun events. The Las Olas Art Fair is an annual event that draws thousands of locals and visitors to meet with gallery owners and artists. Additionally, the Las Olas Food and Wine Festival provides a great opportunity for celebrity chefs and foodies to enjoy their love of food and wine.

The architecture of Las Olas is stunning, with a Mediterranean influence and lovely landscaping. It is a great place to explore the latest fashion trends and experience the upscale atmosphere of the Floridian crowd. Las Olas Boulevard is a great place for shopping, dining, and people-watching, making it deserving of its reputation as one of the best shopping destinations in Fort Lauderdale.

4. Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop

The Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop is a 180,000-sq-ft complex on West Sunrise Boulevard. It has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in South Florida. The complex includes a 14-screen drive-in theatre, an international food court, and a massive 88-acre flea market featuring over 2,000 local vendors.

The Ferrari Museum is a free attraction of the Swap Shop, showcasing some of the rarest and most valuable Ferraris. Highlights include the ultra-rare Ferrari 275 GTB/C and the Ferrari Testarossa, which was featured in the Miami Vice TV series.

The Thunderbird Drive-in, established in the 1960s, allows visitors to catch the latest films without leaving the comfort of their vehicle. This unique experience makes the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop an ideal destination for car enthusiasts.

5. GULFSTREAM PARK

Gulfstream Park is a true gem located in Hallandale Beach, Florida. This glamorous and exciting landmark has been host to many of the world’s greatest stars of thoroughbred racing since it opened in 1939. It has also become a high-end shopper’s dream, thanks to the addition of a spectacular shopping and dining hotspot.

The Village at Gulfstream Park is designed in a classic style, giving off an aura of class and sophistication. Here, you can shop for something special at Crate and Barrel, Z Gallerie, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, and West Elm. You can also visit the Barker Animation Art Gallery or have your picture taken with the cast of the Simpsons. 

The dining options at The Village at Gulfstream Park are equally impressive. You can indulge in a delicious meal at III Forks Steakhouse, Cantina Laredo, The Playwright Irish Pub, or Texas de Brazil. 

By adding shopping and dining options to its classical horse racing atmosphere, Gulfstream Park has become a favorite destination among enthusiasts. It’s no wonder it is recommended for the best shopping in Fort Lauderdale.

6. Design Center of the Americas

The Design Center of the Americas is a 782,000 sqft building on Griffin Road, about 6 miles west of Dania Beach. It is filled with 45 showrooms of stylish and contemporary furniture pieces for homes, yachts, and offices, including brands such as Giovanni Rossi Fine Art, Michael Taylor Collections, and Armazem Design. 

For those who get hungry while exploring the Design Center, Cay Café offers modern American dishes. Popular items include the classic Caesar salad, Cuban sandwich, and beef burger.

7. Westfield Broward Mall

Westfield Broward Mall is located in Plantation, about 7.5 miles west of Fort Lauderdale. It is anchored by Macy’s, J.C. Penney’s, and Dillard’s and has over 70 stores by popular high-street brands, such as Aldo, Spencer’s, Pandora, and Victoria’s Secret.

The mall offers over 20 dining outlets for food and drinks, including Starbucks, Panda Express, and Chick-Fil-A. There is also a movie theatre, Regal Cinemas, where you can watch the latest films. Additionally, the Art Society is a rotating gallery space that supports mostly local artists.

8. POMPANO CITI CENTRE

Pompano Beach, just north of Fort Lauderdale, is a wonderful destination for visitors and residents alike. This shopping destination in Fort Lauderdale takes advantage of the sunny climate and offers shoppers various stores and amenities. 

The mall features classic stores such as JCPenney’s, Macy’s, Ross, Lowes, and Sears, as well as over 70 specialty shops. Hungry shoppers can take a break and enjoy a meal at J Marks Restaurant, Chili’s, or treat themselves to a delicious dessert at Cold Stone Creamery. 

Pompano Citi Centre is the perfect one-stop shopping experience. It is recommended as the best shopping destination due to its proximity to Downtown Fort Lauderdale and abundance of parking.

9. Coral Ridge Mall

Coral Ridge Mall is one of the oldest shopping centers in Fort Lauderdale. Located at the Oakland Park and Federal Highway crossroads, it has over 45 stores and is anchored by Target, T.J. Maxx, and Marshalls. Popular brands such as Old Navy, Bath & Body Works, and Home Goods are also available at the mall.

In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy movies at AMC Dine-In, including a restaurant and bar. After the movie, they can stay for lunch at one of the mall’s many restaurants, such as Einstein Bros. Bagel, Subway, and Publix.

10. THE FOUNTAINS

The Fountains in the city of Plantation is one of the premier shopping destinations in the area, located west of Fort Lauderdale. It is flanked by a Publix grocery store with a White Apron cooking school, Whole Foods to the south, and Barnes and Noble to the north. The Fountains features an impressive lineup of stores, including Kohl’s, Marshall’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Office Depot, Total Wine & More, and Jos. A. Bank. After a day of shopping, visitors can enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants, such as Smokey Bones, Sweet Tomatoes, The Olive Garden, Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, Chili’s, Red Lobster, Applebee’s, and Duffy’s Sports Grill.

The Fountains recently underwent a makeover, giving it an elegant new look and welcoming a number of new businesses. Therefore, it is no surprise that it has quickly become a popular shopping destination and is recommended for the best shopping in Fort Lauderdale.

11. HARBOR SHOPS

Harbor Shops is a convenient, expansive shopping center just west of the 17th Street Causeway Bridge. It offers a spectacular view of downtown and Port Everglades and is a one-stop experience for travelers and locals alike. You can pick up groceries, wine, yachting supplies, and last-minute items at Harbor Shops before you board a cruise. 

Health and beauty supplies are available at Flair Beauty Boutique. Party supplies can be found at Total Wine & More, where you can find a wide selection of wines. Groceries can be purchased at Publix, and cell phone supplies are available at the Sprint Superstore. You can also find various restaurants, from Outback Steakhouse to Five Guys Burgers & Fries. 

Harbor Shops is a favorite of locals and visitors for its convenience and variety of stores. It is highly recommended for the best shopping for its convenience and selection of items.

12. The Gallery at Beach Place

The Gallery at Beach Place is a 3-story complex near Fort Lauderdale Beach, boasting 100,000 sq ft of retail and dining space. Although around a dozen stores, it is more focused on food than shopping. Of those stores, CVS Pharmacy is a great option for buying beach essentials.

When it comes to dining, there are plenty of chain restaurants and bars to choose from, such as Hooter’s, Taco Bell, Beach Cigar Bar & Hookah Lounge, and Häagen-Dazs Beach Place. Furthermore, The Gallery often hosts live musical performances and events, particularly during the summer months.

Shopping in Fort Lauderdale FAQ

What is the main shopping street in Fort Lauderdale?

The main shopping street in Fort Lauderdale is Las Olas Boulevard. This bustling boulevard is the perfect place to explore the city’s unique mix of fashion boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, sidewalk cafes, and bars. Each evening, Las Olas Boulevard sets the stage for South Florida’s most architecturally unique, authentic, and eclectic shopping and dining district.

Does Fort Lauderdale have good shopping?

Yes, Fort Lauderdale is a great place for shopping. Various options are available, from big shopping malls with popular brands to unique flea markets. The city is filled with pedestrian-friendly streets and walkways, making it easy to explore the different shops and find something that suits you.

What is Fort Lauderdale best known for?

Fort Lauderdale is best known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant arts, culture scene, and exciting events. Las Olas Boulevard is a popular shopping area. Visitors can also enjoy gondola rides on the city’s canals and a historic riverfront, which has earned Fort Lauderdale the nickname “Venice of America.” Along Las Olas Boulevard, there are many shops, restaurants, and historic districts to explore.

Is shopping better in Miami or Fort Lauderdale?

The question of which city is better for shopping, Miami or Fort Lauderdale, is often debated. Generally, Miami is the more popular shopping destination, as it features plenty of stores with high-end brands, diverse neighborhoods that offer local finds and unique purchases.