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Believe it or not, Miami is a shopping mecca drawing people from Florida , the Southeast, and even the Caribbean . While you may not come to the Miami/South Beach area to shop, if it rains – or is just too darn hot outside -- you know where to go!
Indoor malls are prevalent here as are many strip-style retail centers. Word has it that the 10 million people who visit the area each year bring home everything from hand-rolled Cuban cigars to electronics and imports from the Caribbean .
You will find that most of the stores keep regular hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. HOWEVER, if you want to go shopping in South Beach , the shops, like the people, keep later hours…usually not opening before 11 a.m. and closing near midnight . It's much cooler that way, you know.
For something unique to the area, visit Little Havana's main shopping district on Calle Ocho ( Eighth Street ) between SW 27 th and SW12th avenues. You will find everything from cigars to traditional Cuban shirts known as guayaberas, and some incredible Latin CDs. Plus, the smells from the area eateries are definitely a draw and worth a visit to enjoy some true Cuban food.
If you are a mall maven, Aventura is worth checking out…but definitely bring your credit card. This mega mall has 250 stores including Bloomingdale's and Lord & Taylor plus a playground for kids and a 24-screen movie theater.
For true South Florida ambiance, plan to stroll along Coconut Grove. Coco Walk is located here, a mini outdoor mall with name brand giants as well as specialty stores worth checking out. There is also a movie theater and some outdoor cafes if your feet are tired and you would rather have a cold drink and people-watch for an hour or so before it's time for more shopping.
Flagler Street in downtown Miami is a bargain-hunter's heaven where you can find knock-offs of jewelry, luggage, shoes, watches, and leather goods. Just be a little extra careful with what you buy here. And Miami pays homage to New York City 's South Street Seaport with its Bayside Marketplace, a waterside shopping area. The Beacon Hotel is a few miles from Bayside for those who prefer to stay close by.
If luxury labels are your style, the Bal Harbour Shops are the place to go. Polish up your flip-flops before you shop in the likes of Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue , Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Gucci, and more. The Casablanca on the Ocean and Cavalier hotels are nearby.
If you want to stay in the heart of the South Beach shopping area, consider The National Hotel, The Delano, The Shore Club, or the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. This is where the hip, happening shops with all the bling-bling can be found along Collins and Washington avenues. Think names like Betsey Johnson, Theory, Armani, Benneton, and others. Nearby, the seven-block Lincoln Road Mall offers cafes and chain shops like Victoria 's Secret, Gap, etc. Properties close to Lincoln Road Mall include the Palms South Beach , the Boulevard Hotel, the Roney Palace Beach Resort, and the Riande Continental South Beach .
And sure, you can still find some Mickey memorabilia here…but why not bring home something that reflects the panache and vibrancy of the rejuvenated Miami Beach !
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