Today, Sawgrass Mills is America’s largest outlet shopping destination. Its unrivalled range of brands and establishments attracts visitors from all over the world. Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy your visit to this Florida shopping paradise.
Its origins
Florida is known for its wide range of shopping centers. In fact, this is one of the tourist attractions of the state. In this context, Sawgrass Mills differentiates itself by bringing together luxury stores and popular brands internationally, all of them with permanent discounts.
This outlet mall was opened in 1990 and expanded in 1999 and 2006 with The Oasis and The Colonnades areas, respectively. In addition, its common areas were recently updated for its 30th anniversary, with new floors, new stations for charging electronic devices, modernized food courts and revitalized movie theaters. It is currently an enclosed environment, with air conditioning and temperature control.
Location and how to get there
Sawgrass Mills is in a prime location. It is located in the city of Sunrise, just 15 minutes from Fort Lauderdale and about 35 minutes from Miami and Palm Beach. Here are the ways you can get to this must-see shopping destination:
- By car from Interstate 95 (I-95). Get off at Interstate 595 (I-595) westbound to Flamingo Road (SR 823). Once on this road, head to Sunrise Blvd. The mall is located at the intersection of both streets.
- By bus there are options from various areas. There are Broward County system routes, as well as one from Miami/Brickell Monday through Friday at peak hours.
- Tri-rail service also arrives from Miami, Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.
The Shopping World of Sawgrass Mills
Today, this mall has more than 350 stores. There is something for all tastes and interests: branded stores, department stores and retailers of clothing, footwear, jewelry, sporting goods, beauty products, home accessories, toys, devices and electronics. Some stores that illustrate this variety are:
- Adidas
- Nike
- Polo Ralph Lauren
- Tommy Hilfiger
- Gap
- Guess
- Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH
- Bed Bath & Beyond
- Target
- Marshalls
- BrandsMart USA
- Burlington
Sawgrass Mills has three distinct zones:
- The area inside the mall.
- The outdoor shopping and dining area, called The Oasis.
- The Colonnades, also outdoors, which is home to some of the most luxurious brands at discounted prices. It has more than 70 exclusive outlets found nowhere else in South Florida, such as Burberry, GUCCI, Prada, Jimmy Choo, Salvatore Ferragamo Company Store and Versace.
Enjoy a good meal at Sawgrass Mills
Following the badge of the variety of its stores, the mall also offers a gastronomic scene full of diversity. There are traditional American venues such as The Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen, Starbucks and Auntie Anne’s Pretzels.
But if you’re looking for gourmet cuisine, be sure to visit The Colonnades. There you will find Italian dishes at Villagio and Asian dishes at P.F. Chang’s. Also, sophisticated options of traditional dishes in places like Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar and Grand Lux Café. This shopping spot is certainly a unique experience not to be missed in South Florida. Their collection of stores and brands will not disappoint you.
References
Arrojas, M. (2019). Sawgrass Mills undergoes multimillion-dollar upgrades ahead of 30th anniversary (Photos). South Florida Business Journal. https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2019/10/16/renovations-for-sawgrass-mills-ahead-of-30th-year.html
Caberta, A. (n.d.). SAWGRASS MILLS. A true shopping experience. Let’s go to Miami. https://www.vamosamiami.net/sawgrass/
Civitatis Miami. (n.d.). Sawgrass Mills Mall. https://www.disfrutamiami.com/sawgrass-mills-mall
Reiser, E, (2015). Then & Now: See how Sawgrass Mills has grown since it opened 25 years ago. South Florida Business Journal. https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2015/10/26/then-and-now-see-how-sawgrass-mills-has-grown.html Simon. (n.d.). Simon Shopping Destinations. https://www.simon.com/travel