Want to combine two of the best things in the world — vacationing and shopping — into one epic getaway? I like your style. As a self-proclaimed shopaholic, I might be guilty of spending a good portion of my travel time browsing local boutiques, mapping out the nearest malls and lugging around an extra-large suitcase (just so I have room to bring home my bargains!) But why feel guilty for doing what you love? Grab your best buds for a trip to one of these extraordinary shopping destinations, and go ahead and indulge your passion for the fine art of shopping … and shopping … and shopping some more! It’s good exercise, after all.
Have a friend who loves to shop as much as you? Tell her it’s time to pack her bags!
New York City
If you want a good dose of cardio with your shopping, NYC is the place to be. This shopping destination offers something for everyone, and a trip with my mom proved it as we toured every inch of the city in search of the best options. If it’s your first time to the Big Apple, the packed Times Square is still a must, just to get a few photos. Stop by the M&M’s World for a dose of sugar, and don’t miss the Disney Store and Hershey’s Times Square for a fun souvenir that’s sure to impress the littles back home. If the weather’s nice, keep walking down Broadway for a trip to the flagship Macy’s on Herald Square (you can’t miss it for the bright red “The World’s Largest Store sign!). Bonus, it’s adjacent to the Empire State Building, so you can knock off another New York City must-do off your list in one swoop.
Manhattan, NY is a shopping lover’s dream!
Of course, there’s much more to New York City than the Times Square you see on TV each New Year’s Eve. Take a stroll through Chinatown for designer-esque handbags, jewelry and sunglasses without the killer price tag. Head to Century 21, a local department store chain with locations near the iconic Central Park (Brooklyn) and the 9/11 Memorial (Downtown), to get your fix of brand-name fashion for a steal — and with multiple floors, you could easily spend a few hours here! For more funky finds, don’t miss SoHo, home to trendy boutiques and art galleries where you can take home a one-of-a-kind item that can only be found in NY. Feeling the urge to splurge coming on … or just want to window shop? You can’t miss Manhattan’s famous 5th Avenue, home to a huge variety of well-known brand stores, but most especially of the high-end scale. Think Tiffany & Co, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks (but you’ll also find the more budget-friendly options like H&M and Zara, too!)
Where to Stay: Andaz 5th Avenue (across the street from the New York Public Library) is just tucked away enough from Times Square to be relaxing, but close enough to walk there!
Austin
Love when people ask, “where did you find that?” Then be prepared to answer, “Austin, of course.” Better known as the Live Music Capital of the World, this shopping destination prides itself on its “weirdness,” which means lots of quirky shops to score that unique look you’re seeking. It’s also in Texas where everything is bigger, so you’ll find spacious shopping centers perfect for strolling around when the weather is nice (which is often!). A personal favorite for me is The Domain, an outdoor mall that tempts you to stay outdoors and enjoy the scenery … until you duck into your favorite store, that is! Find 100 upscale and mainstream stores, along with a great selection of airy restaurant patios, perfect for grabbing a margarita and people watching for a bit.
Texas’ capital city is a prime spot for scoring great shopping finds!
Prefer someplace a little more uncommon? Don’t miss the fair-trade crafts experience of Ten Thousands Villages Austin, the eclectic Atown boutique, the iconic Waterloo Records and the aptly-named Uncommon Objects antique store. For a truly local experience, hit up 2nd Street District, just a few blocks from the historic entertainment district on 6th Street. Still up for more? Rent a car and take the short drive down I-35 to San Marcos Premium Outlets, where you’ll find 145 stores featuring discount prices on everything from kitchenware (such as Williams Sonoma) to home décor (including Pottery Barn) to apparel and accessories (everything from Francesca’s to Kate Spade to Victoria’s Secret.)
Where to Stay: The Westin Austin at the Domain keeps your room close enough to drop off your finds … and then go shop some more!
Chicago
Sure, Chicago has its pizza … and its baseball … but it’s the shopping that keeps me coming back. And with more than 460 retailers calling the Magnificent Mile home, it’s with good reason that Chicago’s a top shopping destination! I love the metropolitan chic feel of Michigan Avenue, with its skyscraper backdrop and perfect balance of luxury and local boutiques and stores, including big name anchors like Bloomingdale’s. You will find literally everything here — from pet boutiques to cosmetics shops to toy stores to gourmet food. Oh, and my personal favorite … lots and lots of shoes! Need I say more? Lucky for you, this walkable shopping district is just the right size for breaking in that new pair you just bought!
Chicago offers enough shopping and dining on its Magnificent Mile to keep you entertained for days!
Once you get hungry, you’ll find plenty of hip restaurants and rooftop bars to kick up your feet at (hint, visit in the summer when the weather is absolutely perfect for this sort of thing). But if weather isn’t on your side, there’s always the eight-story Water Tower Place on the northern tip of the Magnificent Mile to keep you cozy and warm throughout your shopping spree. Ready to break away from the chain stores? Check out River North, just a few blocks from the Magnificent Mile, featuring luxe shops and eateries to satisfy your inner artist. Or check out the charming Andersonville, where you’ll find interesting vintage shops, low-key bars and even surprising finds like a made-to-order t-shirt shop called “The T-Shirt Deli.” Yes, it looks exactly like it sounds.
Where to Stay: The Langham Chicago, where you’ll enjoy posh views of the Chicago River paired with the convenience of being close to the Magnificent Mile.
Minneapolis
One of my best friends took a trip to the Mall of America in the 5th grade with her family. And here I sit, still jealous about it two decades later. Why? Probably because she bragged about it ever since … after all, it’s the nation’s largest shopping and entertainment destination. It encompasses 520 stores, 50 restaurants and the largest indoor Nickelodeon theme park. Which truly means there’s something the entire family will enjoy. I’m just waiting for the day that my infant daughter is old enough to give me an excuse to visit, and ideally shares my passion for shopping and roller-coasters! To give you a little perspective on the sheer size of this place, I’ve read it could encompass nine Yankee stadiums or 43 Boeing 747s at its grandiose 5.6 million square feet. But wait, do you want to know the best part of it all? No sales tax on clothing!
Love to shop? Head to Minneapolis for their famous Mall of America experience!
With four floors to explore, the Mall of America can certainly entertain your entire Minneapolis escape if you want. There’s even a shocking amount to do if you get burnt out on traditional shopping (ha!) … ok, if your wallet gets burnt out. Check out the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, Nickelodeon Universe, The Crayola Experience, Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy and the LEGO Store to name just a few options!
Where to Stay: Radisson Blu Mall of America is connected directly to the action via skyway, so the mall will essentially be your home away from home. Heaven!
Honolulu
Like your shopping destination to include a healthy dose of Vitamin D? Head to Oahu for the most nature-fueled browsing experience you can find at Ala Moana Center, the world’s largest outdoor mall! This expansive open-air mall features over 340 stores and restaurants, ready to enjoy throughout Hawaii’s perfect weather season (read: year-round). Pair a daily hula show and live Hawaiian music as you breeze through popular stores like Banana Republic, Nordstrom and Old Navy. For a more upscale, yet equally scenic, shopping spree, head to Royal Hawaiian Center, where you’ll find four levels of stores framed by sprawling palm trees. Think Tory Burch, Apple and local boutiques featuring Hawaiian jewelry crafted by local artists. Another hot spot is Kalakaua Avenue, home to “Luxury Row” for high-end splurges and Waikiki Shopping Plaza with its six floors of shops and restaurants to explore!
Who doesn’t love an evening by the beach after a full day of shopping?
Once your bank account is begging for a break, rest easy … there are budget-friendly options nearby, too. Check out the Waikele Premium Outlets on the island’s west side for designer finds at great prices, or get super thrifty at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace, where you’ll find local treasures from over 400 local merchants three days a week.
Where to Stay: Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort features gorgeous ocean views, the iconic Duke’s Restaurant and extra bonus points for being close to shopping!
Boston
You might be able to convince your friends and family that you’re heading to Boston to sharpen your American history knowledge … but we know better. In between the Freedom Trail and the Boston National Historical Park, you’ll definitely want to spend your free time shopping the city’s vast array of malls and hidden boutiques. A no-brainer option is Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a destination in itself which could easily entertain the entire family with unique touches like street performers, musicians, offbeat pushcarts selling beautiful and bizarre items and local eateries for a big bowl of chowda. Between you and me though, it’s all about the 100+ shops, with Quincy Market being the epicenter of buzzing activity. Psst … the original Faneuil Hall dates back to 1742, so this can definitely pass as your history lesson for the day.
Boston is a city rich with history … and incredible shopping!
A shopping spree in Boston isn’t complete though without a stroll on Newbury Street. These eight blocks are a shopping paradise filled with everything you need for the perfect day, from clothing stores to spas when your weary toes need a pedicure break. For a local boutique experience try Crush Boutique, where you’ll find the latest trends in women’s fashion from well-known and up-and-coming designers. Fashion forward men and women will appreciate AllSaints incredible selection of leather jackets, just in time for cooler weather. For more recognizable chain stores, hit up The Shops at Prudential Center, with tried-and-true names like Lord & Taylor, Sephora and Vera Bradley; or check out Copley Place for upscale shops including Neiman Marcus and Christian Dior.
Where to Stay: Omni Parker House for equal parts glam and grand, and a city staple since 1855! A convenient downtown location makes it even better.
Vegas
Ah, Vegas. If it’s not the gambling that will take your money, it’s the over-the-top shopping! And I simply can’t resist the latter. A recent stay found me at Caesars Palace, home to The Forum Shops and drool-inducing window shopping at stores like BVLGARI, Versace, Harry Winston and Valentino. Then I caught a show at The Venetian, which just so happens to boast the Grand Canal Shoppes, and stores like Jimmy Choo, Prada and Barney’s New York. Needless to say, this is my kind of town!
Las Vegas offers so much to see … and do .. and SHOP!
Let’s not forget The Shops at Crystals, adjacent to ARIA, with its extravagant temptations at one of the largest Louis Vuitton stores in the world, flagship stores for brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Prada and much more. But wait, we’re not done yet. If you’re still up strolling the Strip, head to Fashion Show Mall, featuring more than 250 boutiques and stores, including popular chains like Dillard’s and Forever 21. Are we done yet? Not a chance. The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino features 200 more stores, from GUESS to LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics. Nothing wrong with taking home that jackpot winning in the form of a new pair of shoes, am I right? For those who dare to head off the Strip, don’t miss the Las Vegas Premium Outlets, with North and South locations, yes that means DOUBLE the places to shop!
Where to Stay: Caesars Palace puts you central with the rest of the Vegas Strip, and it’s home to the famous Forum Shops. Score!
Los Angeles
If you’re already in Vegas, why not rent a car and head to L.A. for that pie-in-the-sky shopping destination that every shopper longs to see: Rodeo Drive. Sure, the sticker shock of the items found on Beverly Hills’ iconic street might be enough to get your heart racing, but isn’t that part of the excitement? Live like the rich and famous, or at least feel that way for the day, as you stroll boutiques and shops designed for opulence. Carry on with your dream as your grab a few souvenirs on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Let L.A. tempt you for a shopping adventure in paradise.
Once you’re ready to get back to reality, check out L.A.’s outdoor center The Grove, a more attainable alternative that’s just as exciting — with ever-changing pop-up shops, department stores and even a movie theater so you can catch a glimpse at a celebrity on screen (just in case you haven’t spotted one in real life yet). Hungry for more? Lucky for you it’s all connected to The Original Farmers Market, a shopping destination in its own right offering everything from bakery goodies to housewares and TONS of restaurants featuring cuisine from every corner of the world.
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills will keep that celebrity vibe going, and it’s right in the heart of all your must-shop locations.
So, who’s up for a shopping spree? If you have a favorite city to shop till you drop, share it with me in the comments!
Gina Tagliarino, Travelocity Sr. Creative Copywriter
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