When trying to pick a place to vacation, you’re probably looking for gorgeous beach settings, thrilling outdoor activities, or big attractions like casinos and shows. But, shopping is a hugely popular reason to take a trip, for many people, and some of the country’s most thrilling cities also offer the best shopping. Whether you’re looking to revamp your wardrobe or invest in some cool gold chains for men, these areas are sure to have something you’ll love. Next time you’re trying to plan a vacay, check out these spots for a killer shopping experience.
- New York, New York
The city that never sleeps, New York City is also the city of dreams—not only because people from around the world move here to make their dreams come true, but also because you’ll find literally anything you could ever dream of here. From the giant ferris wheel inside the Toys ‘R Us to the absolute luxe vibe of 5th Ave, New York is the place to go if you’re looking for world-class shopping.
For anyone looking to blow some money, just walking down 5th Ave can make you go broke, but there are also plenty of other hidden areas of the city where you score deals and find unique items to bring home with you. Canal Street is one of the most popular places to shop in the city if you’re looking for deals on designer brand items as well as really well-made knock-off products.
- Los Angeles, California
In a city filled with celebrities, it’s no surprise that there’s some serious shopping to be done here. LA is a city that is spread out very wide and, with the notoriously nightmare-ish traffic, it can take half a day to even try to pop around to different areas. If you want to explore the shopping in LA, you should pick specific areas to spend the day so you don’t waste much traveling between destinations.
Rodeo Drive is the mecca of shopping in LA because it offers some of the top designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Hermes, and it’s not unusual to accidentally bump into an A-list celeb while window-shopping the area. It’s definitely worth walking around the area just for the sake of seeing Rodeo Drive, but, if you’re looking for more affordable options, you can check out The Grove, which is located next to a highly reputable outdoor farmer’s market with delicious, authentic cuisine.
- Chicago, Illinois
In the heart of Chicago, you’ll find Magnificent Mile, an area of the city that stretches for eight blocks and features some of the best shopping in the entire country. People fly from around the world to visit this area of Chicago and get their shopping fix.
The options for shopping here run the entire gamut from high-end luxury stores and reputable jewelers selling gold chains to fun children’s establishments like the LEGO store, making it the perfect place to bring the whole family. Any child with an American Girl doll will lose it when they see the real brick-and-mortar store on Magnificent Mile selling every American Girl doll accessories you could possibly imagine. Even if you’re not planning to do a whole lot of shopping here, it’s a beautiful area to walk through and people-watch or stop for a bite to eat.
- Houston, Texas
Although the days of mall shopping seem like a distant memory, sometimes, the Galleria in Houston, Texas is still a bustling example of a mall that is absolutely thriving. This shopping haven is roughly three million square feet, giving shoppers plenty to explore. You could literally spend an entire day just walking around these shops. If you do get stuck in this maze of a mall until evening, you can stay in the area and indulge in dinner at one of the amazing nearby restaurants, including the highly distinguished Nobo.
- Bloomington, Minnesota
When you think “luxury shopping,” Minnesota may not make the top of your list, but it is home to the Mall of America, whose claim to fame is being one of the largest malls in the entire world. At nearly five million square feet, this mall almost puts the Galleria in Houston to shame. Spend the day exploring the Mall of America, which is known for having a Nickelodeon theme park, the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, and regular concerts and events inside the mall, among many other attractions. Clearly, the Mall of America is like no other mall you’ve ever experienced.
- Las Vegas, Nevada
Vegas is all about glitz and glam, so why not take a shopping trip while you’re in the city and spice up your wardrobe? You will have to leave the strip in order to find the best shopping, but Fremont Street in downtown Vegas has a lot to offer between unique boutiques, adorable cafes and restaurants, and even a zipline that goes directly through the shopping area. If you’re looking for more high-end luxury items, you’ll find plenty of ritzy places on the strip, but we recommend going to get a taste of downtown Vegas during your stay as well.
- Charleston, South Carolina
A charming little city located on the coast of South Carolina, Charleston’s King Street Shopping District is highly renowned for its shopping. While you will find some mainstream brands like Urban Outfitters and designer brands like Louis Vuitton, the downtown area is ripe with unique boutique shops offering locally made products like clothing and jewelry. A more touristy part of town, the Market area has plenty of other shopping options, with a combination of brick-and-mortar stores and street vendors.
When in Doubt, Shop Online
Although shopping in person is super-fun and a great way to get out and explore new places, sometimes online shopping is just the best option. You can find cheaper prices and more options for many items, particularly jewelry like men’s gold chains. Just make sure that you do your research prior to purchasing and buy from a brand that you trust. Any place that doesn’t offer a return policy should be a red flag. Look for reviews on third-party websites and request information on the quality and grade rating of gemstones and gold jewelry. Happy shopping!