For better or worse, shopping is a popular American pastime. The activity could even beconsidered a sport for those hunting a good bargain, a hobby, or even "retail therapy"—a fun way to reduce stress. If you're on a tight travel budget, "window shopping" can be an experience all its own. Whether shopping is your thrill or you just want to experience some U.S. culture, visiting one ofAmerica's biggest malls is a must.
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The Mall of America
It sports its name for a reason. The Mall of America is the biggest shopping mall in the United States, with more than 500 stores and 10 attractions, including an indoor theme park. Located in Bloomington, Minnesota, the mall is visited annually by more than 40 million people, which is approximately eight times the state's population. Shoppers can take their pick fromMacy's, Nordstrom, Forever 21, Crayola Experience, Marshalls, Nickelodeon Universe, and The Lego Store. They can also visitthe Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium.
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King of Prussia Mall
Address
160 N Gulph Rd, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USAPhone+1 610-265-5727
Located about 25 miles northwest of Philadelphia, the King of Prussia Mall falls short from The Mall of America by approximately 70 stores, but it's actually bigger in terms of square feet. This malloffers a store for everyone, from the budget stores to the most luxurious shops in the area. International dining is also available, with three different food courts from which to choose.
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Aventura Mall
Address
19501 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura, FL 33180, USAPhone+1 305-935-1110
The biggest shopping mall in Florida, Aventura Mall is home to more than 300 stores and five department stores. The mall attracts approximately 28 million people each year, making it a melting pot of Florida's many cultures. Aventura Mall promises fine shopping with stores such as Chanel, Chloé, Fendi, and Tiffany & Co.
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South Coast Plaza
South Coast Plaza is California's largest and most luxurious shopping mall. Located in Orange County, with more than250 stores, 30 restaurants, and a center for the arts, South Coast offers a sense of style that even Hollywood stars find alluring. South Coast has offerings for all budgets, from affordable prices at H&M to luxury price tags at Balenciaga.
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The Galleria
Address
5085 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056, USAPhone+1 713-622-0663
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and this mall is no exception. The Galleria, located in Houston, is visited by more than 30 million people each year. With more than 400 stores and restaurants, two high-rise hotels, and three office buildings, it's no wonder locals and tourists alike come together at this mall. The options are many with stores such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., Ralph Lauren, Yves Saint Laurent, H&M, and Abercrombie & Fitch, among others.
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Del Amo Fashion Center
With more than 200 stores, Del Amo Fashion Center is two malls in one. Literally. Two Southern California shopping centers came together to create the Fashion Center, one of America's biggest shopping malls. It is a retail favorite because of stores such as Hugo Boss, Kate Spade New York, Nordstrom, Macy's, and many others.
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Destiny USA
Destiny USAin Syracuse, New York, feels like a different world when you first walk through its doors. Many attractions hide in its corners, bringing together adults and kids at places such as Dave & Buster's, comedy clubs, and the antique carousel. In this Central New York shopping paradise, shoppers can check out luxury shops but also find bargains at outlets and 99-cent stores.
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Millcreek Mall
Located in Erie, Pennsylvania, Millcreek Mall has nearly 200 shops, five department stores, and a multitude of restaurants and quick food stops. Millcreek Mall not only shines because of its single-floor food court layout but also because of its variety of entertainment. It's also conveniently equidistant from Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Buffalo.
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Plaza Las Américas
Address
525 Avenida F.D. Roosevelt, San Juan, 00918, Puerto RicoPhone+1 787-767-5202
If you want to escape the winter cold or just want a change of scenery from mainlandAmerica, hopon a plane to Puerto Rico whereyou'll findPlaza Las Américas,the biggest shopping mall in the Caribbean. Explore its three floors of more than 300 stores including a Build-a-Bear Workshop, Alex and Ani, MAC Cosmetics store, and more.