Top 10 US Shopping Malls

1. Mall of America

The options are endless at the Mall of America with 520 stores, 50 restaurants and extreme entertainment options, including an indoor amusement park. There’s high-end browsing at Burberry and Nordstrom’s Chanel Boutique, endless rows of chains and mega-stores like American Girl and a sprawling Lego emporium.

Savvy Shopper: The MOA is so large it warrants its own tourism office. You’ll want a shopping strategy before you hit the mall, so request a free visitor’s kit before your trip for optimal planning.

2. King of Prussia Mall

The King of Prussia Mall outside of Philadelphia is the largest on the East Coast with 3 million square feet of shopping fun. The space is so large, 5 of the Great Pyramids would fit in its footprint; thank goodness for shopaholics, this space is filled with 400 shops.

Savvy Shopper: Bring the wee ones for a picture with Santa? Purchase Santa’s FASTPASS online before your visit and skip the long line where even the nicest kids may unleash their naughty streak.

3. Sawgrass Mills

Score mega-deals at the extra-large Sawgrass Mills, made up of 3 unique shopping destinations with a combination of indoor and outdoor shopping venues. Retail shops are featured alongside lower-priced and high-end fashion outposts like Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Saks off Fifth and the Burberry Factory Outlet.

Savvy Shopper: Download the app for Simon Malls to get up-to-date information on mall hours, directions and special events and deals.

4. The Shops at Columbus Circle

With quirky boutiques and fashionable neighborhoods abound, it takes a lot to stand out on New York’s shopping scene. The Shops at Columbus Circle meet the challenge with a glorious version of a mall fit for the Big Apple with luxe shops like Thomas Pink for great tailored shirts, Tumi for luggage and Stuart Weitzman for shoes.

Savvy Shopper: Shame on you if you expected the usual food court at Manhattan’s shopping emporium. Even the dining options are ridiculously stylish, like Thomas Keller’s Per Se and casual and tasty Japanese specialties at Bar Masa.

5. The Galleria

It’s easy to fill your shopping bags at Texas-sized shopping emporium the Galleria in Houston. There are 2 Macy’s outposts, snazzy retailers like Cartier, Gucci, Tiffany & Co and Louis Vuitton, Westin hotels, tasty restaurants and even an ice-skating rink under the tall glass atriums.

Savvy Shopper: Like many other businesses, Simon malls rely on Facebook and Twitter to get out the word about sales and special events. Follow the Galleria, and get the scoop before you head out.

6. Via Bellagio

If Lady Luck is on your side in Vegas, you’ll have no problems unloading some of your winnings at Via Bellagio, the finest hotel shopping in the country. Top designers on this tony stretch of shops include Yves Saint Laurent, Prada, Fendi and Fred Leighton.

Savvy Shopper: A quirkier, but equally pricy, selection of wares can be found at the Pool Promenade collection of shops including art prints at the Gallery Store, trendy looks at Capri and fine men’s fashion at d. FINE.

7. The Grove

Infuse your shopping experience with some Hollywood style at this LA staple—a shopping destination with trendy stores, famous clientele and even a few paparazzi. Scope out the goods at stylish shops including Anthropologie, Madewell, UGG Australia and Johnny Was. And just in time for the holidays, top off a day of shopping with a sweet treat at Sprinkles Cupcakes, coming in November 2012. 

Savvy Shopper: Give your feet a rest and take a ride on the Grove Trolley, the free electric trolley that runs between the Grove and the nearby farmers market.

8. Tysons Corner Center

Just a few minutes outside of the Beltway, Tysons Corner Center keeps DC’s socialites and well-heeled politicos looking stylish. As the largest shopping mall in the area, Tysons is known for its luxury retailers, spacious home stores like Restoration Hardware and Williams-Sonoma Grand Cuisine and even a fancy children’s play area sponsored by National Geographic.

Savvy Shopper: Shop in peace with fewer crowds on weekdays when the weekend warriors are all back at work.

9. South Coast Plaza

Boasting the highest sales at a mall in the US, South Coast Plaza is an Orange County hot spot for browsing, schmoozing and swiping the credit card. There are 280 boutique shops and 30 restaurants where the area’s best-dressed housewives might be found sifting through the racks at BALENCIAGA or Barneys New York CO-OP or browsing 3 levels of furniture and house wares at the mega-sized Macy’s Home Furniture store.

Savvy Shopper: Don’t shop ‘til you drop—instead head to any of the 4 concierge locations to check your packages and free up some arm space for more shopping bags.

10. The Mall at Short Hills

Whether you’re shopping for a budding fashionista in toddler sizes or your ultra-elegant grandmother, you’ll have no trouble at Short Hills thanks to the range of stores. Just a short drive from Manhattan, there are the expected fully stocked anchor shops, some luxury gems like Henri Bendel and Gucci, mall staples including the Gap and J.Crew and even some unexpected boutiques among the 160-plus shops.

Savvy Shopper: If you’re looking for an excuse to splurge, remember that New Jersey is one of the few states that does not charge sales tax on clothing.