7 U.S. Malls That Are Destinations in Themselves

Decades ago, shopping malls were pretty utilitarian. You’d head to one to buy a new pair of tennis shoes, grab a soft pretzel, or enjoy a movie. Today, many malls are full-blown attractions, with everything from indoor ski slopes to roller coasters, aquariums, Roman-inspired statues, and luxury retailers so grand they rival European fashion districts. From Minnesota to Manhattan, America’s most iconic malls aren’t just pit stops along the way — they’re the destinations themselves. Check out seven of the most impressive malls in the U.S.

American Dream Mall – East Rutherford, New Jersey

The American Dream Mall is New Jersey’s answer to the Mall of America. Located in East Rutherford, a suburb of New York City, it spans more than 3 million square feet of shopping, ski slopes, water slides, and other attractions.

While the mall’s 400 retail stores offer a mix of everything from luxury shopping to everyday brands, it’s the entertainment that draws many visitors. The American Dream Mall is home to the Nickelodeon Universe theme park (the largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere), DreamWorks Water Park, and Big Snow, North America’s only indoor ski and snow resort. Other attractions include an aquarium, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, a full-size ice rink for public skating, and a 300-foot outdoor Ferris wheel with views of the Manhattan skyline.

Mall of America – Bloomington, Minnesota

The Mall of America is so large, it was given its own ZIP code (55425). Arguably the most recognizable mall in the country, this massive shopping center in the Twin Cities area attracts around 40 million visitors annually. With more than 500 stores and 50 restaurants and bars, the mall encompasses 5.6 million square feet. But the Mall of America is more than just shops and food — its entertainment complex rivals some of the world’s top amusement parks.

The mall is home to its own Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor amusement park spanning 7 acres and featuring 27 rides, including multiple roller coasters. You’ll also find the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, a 1.3 million-gallon facility home to more than 10,000 sea creatures, including sharks and sea turtles. Other family-friendly activities include an immersive flight simulator called FlyOver America, mini golf, laser tag, and virtual reality entertainment. Plus, the mall hosts hundreds of seasonal events, from concerts to festivals, art exhibits, and fashion shows.

The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards – New York, New York

A few miles away from the American Dream Mall are the Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, located in midtown Manhattan. This luxury complex boasts seven floors of retail space, art installations, and a sleek modern design that integrates into the Hudson Yards neighborhood on the city’s west side.

There are more than 100 stores and 25 eateries in this 1 million-square-foot shopping center, ranging from luxury brands such as Dior and Fendi to contemporary and popular brands like Zara and Madewell, as well as New York City’s first Neiman Marcus department store. But shopping at Hudson Yards is just one part of the overall experience. The area also includes the striking honeycomb-like landmark known as the Vessel, the Edge Observation Deck, the High Line, and the Shed, a cultural and performance space.  

The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace – Las Vegas, Nevada

The Forum Shops are connected to the world-famous Caesars Palace resort in Las Vegas, known for its over-the-top Roman architecture and decor. The mall boasts a mix of high-end brands, dining, and attractions, set against a backdrop of marble columns, ornate statues, frescoed ceilings, and elaborate fountains. Along with the 160-plus shops, you’ll find a massive saltwater aquarium.  

While some visitors come to the Forum Shops to window shop at Louis Vuitton and Versace, others are drawn in by the attractions. The Fall of Atlantis Show, for example, is a free, hourly animatronic spectacle chronicling the disappearance of the mythical city of Atlantis, and it feels very much in line with Vegas-style entertainment.

Ala Moana Center – Honolulu, Hawaii

Billed as the largest open-air shopping center in the world, the Ala Moana Center is minutes from famous Waikiki Beach. It’s home to more than 350 shops, including high-end names like Chanel and Dior and department stores such as Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus.

The center also features many local Hawaiian-themed brands and products, from ukuleles to apparel, allowing visitors to take home souvenirs from the Aloha State. At the Makai Market Food Court, you can try classic local dishes and global cuisine. Other local touches include free entertainment such as traditional hula performances, as well as seasonal fairs and artisan markets celebrating Hawaiian creators.

The Galleria – Houston, Texas

Opened in 1970, the Galleria is a 3 million-square-foot shopping and entertainment center boasting more than 400 stores and 60 restaurants. It’s the largest shopping center in Texas, located in Houston’s Uptown District. Unlike other malls on this list, the Galleria is known primarily for its shopping scene, not roller coasters, but it does boast one famous entertainment attraction: a full-size indoor skating rink located beneath a glass atrium.

High-end clothing, jewelry, and watch brands — think Prada, Hermes, Cartier, and Rolex — line the hallways of the Galleria. It boasts one of the highest concentrations of designer brands outside of New York City and Los Angeles. But with hundreds of stores, it’s also home to contemporary mainstream brands like Nike, Sephora, and Apple, and it has several department store anchors, including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Macy’s.

South Coast Plaza – Costa Mesa, California

One of the highest-grossing malls in the entire country is South Coast Plaza in Orange County, halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. The mall sees more than 20 million visitors annually from around the world.

Spanning nearly 3 million square feet and around 300 stores, South Coast Plaza features many flagship and one-of-a-kind U.S. stores, often serving as key test locations for new collections and concepts due to its high foot traffic. This includes North America’s first Bvlgari Lounge, Cartier and Gucci flagship stores, and Canada Goose’s first West Coast boutique with a “Snow Room” experience. For luxury shoppers, South Coast Plaza is a must-visit.