Today, people no longer want malls to be just shopping centers but more than that. In fact, not everyone who visits the mall is to shop; some may just play around since malls are considered the best place to hang out if you feel bored.
Of course, the more facilities a mall offers, the greater their chances of getting more visitors. But not all malls in the US provide various facilities—they are only owned by the biggest malls.
The majority of the biggest malls in the United States provide a variety of facilities, including food courts, movie studios, fitness centers, entertainment venues such as indoor and outdoor amusement parks, amazing attractions, ice skating rinks, eye-pleasing aquarium views, and many others.
If you want to try and enjoy those facilities, it’s best for you to find out what the biggest malls in the US have to offer, so you can know what you can do there. Thankfully! We’ll rank the top 10 biggest shopping malls in the United States based on their area and facilities.
Okay, let’s take a look at them below!
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1. Mall of America
- Total area: 5,600,000 sq ft
- Total stores: 520 units
The Mall of America is considered the largest mall in the United States, with an area of more than 5.6 million square feet. The mall, which is located in Bloomington, Minnesota, was developed by the Ghermezian brothers, who are also Canadian real estate developers.
Opened in 1992, the mall has more than 500 retail units, a mini golf course, three hotels, and 27 theme park rides—the two largest are Nickelodeon Universe and SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, which pampers visitors with colorful marine life. Some well-known retail stores are the LEGO Store, Apple Store, Burberry, Macy’s, Nordstrom’s Chanel Boutique, Best Buy, and American Girl.
Also, this mall has become a cultural and entertainment center, as well as a venue for major events such as the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament. As it is not only a shopping center, it’s no wonder that the Mall of America generates revenues of almost $2 billion with more than 40 million visitors per year.
2. American Dream
- Total Area: 3,000,000 sq ft
- Total Stores: 450+
With 3 million square feet of space, American Dream is ranked the second biggest mall in the United States. Opened in 2019, the mall was founded by Triple Five Group in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Today, American Dream has more than 450 stores and retailers with famous brands worldwide such as Zara, IT’SUGAR, H&M, Saks Fifth Avenue, Uniqlo, and Primark.
Not only a shopping place, the mall’s facility that attracts visitors is its amusement rides. DreamWorks Water Park is the largest indoor water park in North America and was built in this mall.
Some other rides in American Dream Mall include Big Snow American Dream (indoor ski slope), bowling alley, Nickelodeon Universe theme park, ice skating rink, go-kart track, and more.
3. King of Prussia Mall
- Total Area: 2,793,200 sq ft
- Total Store: 400+
Under the American Dream Mall position, there’s the King of Prussia Mall, which has an area of 2.8 million square feet. This mall was built in 1963 outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, making it one of the oldest malls in the United States. Simon Property Group is the founder of this mall, which is also a real estate investment group that has managed many malls.
Historically, King of Prussia Mall was initially two separate buildings, the “Court” and the “Plaza,” which were renovated in 2016 into a mall. Now, this mall has more than 400 stores selling world-famous brands such as Apple Store, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s.
In addition, this mall offers various facilities inside, such as the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Escape Room Center, King of Prussia Town Center, and iFLY Indoor Skydiving.
4. South Coast Plaza
- Total Area: 2,738,730 sq ft
- Total Stores: 280+
With an area of approximately 2.7 billion square feet and more than 270 stores and retailers from around the world, South Coast Plaza becomes the fourth-biggest mall in the United States. This mall was built by the Segerstrom family in 1967 and is located in Los Angeles, California.
Despite being built nearly six decades ago, the mall still has a reputation for shopping and entertainment. In fact, before the COVID-19 pandemic, the mall was raking in about $1.5 billion annually.
The attraction of this mall is in the building design and interior decoration, which combine art, fashion, and culinary. In addition, it is a prime destination for shopping for famous branded fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Balenciaga, and Gucci, as well as popular retailers such as H&M and Zara.
Additionally, visitors can also enjoy various entertainment facilities, such as the Westin South Coast Plaza, the South Coast Repertory Theater, and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
5. Aventura Mall
- Total Area: 2,700,000 sq ft.
- Total Stores: 300+
Located in Aventura, Florida, Aventura Mall becomes the fifth-largest mall in the United States, with more than 2.7 million square feet. It was developed by Turnberry Associates in 1983.
Since its first operation, the mall currently has more than 300 stores from various luxury brands, such as Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tesla, Apple, Cartier, and Givenchy.
What makes Aventura Mall interesting is its artwork, one of which is the Aventura Slide Tower, a spiral tube slide designed by German sculptor Carsten Holler that has become the icon of this mall.
In addition, the integration of digital innovation and interactive features, as well as advances in providing entertainment, are the added value of this mall. Some of the facilities in this mall include the Treats Food Hall, Aventura Art Walk, Treats Food Hall, and VIP Lounge.
6. Del Amo Fashion Center
- Total Area: 2,500,000 sq ft
- Total Stores: 200+
Del Amo Fashion Center was once the largest mall until 1981, before the Mall of America opened. But today, the mall is the sixth-largest mall in the United States, with an area of 2.5 million square feet.
Simon Property Group is the founder of this mall, which is also the founder of King of Prussia Mall. They developed the mall in Torrance, California, in 1961 to become a classy shopping center because it combines style, entertainment, and a fun atmosphere.
With more than 250 stores and retailers, Del Amo Fashion Center has become the fashion capital of Southern California. In addition, the mall offers entertainment for visitors through the AMC Del Amo 18 Movie Theatre, Del Amo Fashion Wing, Outdoor Village, and Del Amo Fashion Center Concierge.
Some of the luxury fashion brands that you can find in this mall are H&M, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Zara, and Michael Kors.
7. The Galleria
- Total Area: 2,400,838 sq ft
- Total Stores: 400+
In Texas, you can fill your shopping bags at a high-end shopping mall called The Galleria. Opened in 1970, the mall was built by Gerald D. Hines on 2.4 million square feet of land. Well, the long glass-domed ceiling is the main attraction for visitors to this mall.
After undergoing several renovations over the past five decades, The Galleria now features more than 400 stores, as well as other amenities such as two swimming pools, two Westin hotels, an ice-skating rink beneath a towering glass atrium, and a private health club.
The Galleria is a home for world-famous brands such as Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Macy’s, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Nordstrom, Apple, and Neiman Marcus.
In addition to being a shopping center, this mall is also transformed into an entertainment venue for visitors. It is no wonder that you will see various performances, art exhibitions, a variety of world-class culinary delights, and play rides, as well as several facilities such as The Galleria Financial Center, The Galleria Office Towers, and The Westin Galleria Houston.
8. Destiny USA
- Total Area: 2,400,000 sq ft
- Total Stores: 250+
Being built on 2.4 million square feet of land and consisting of six floors, including the basement, Destiny USA Mall is the eighth largest mall in the United States. Pyramid Management Group Interests, the founder of this mall, applies environmentally friendly methods by using solar panels in almost all of its buildings.
Opened in 1990, Destiny USA has become a large retail and entertainment complex that attracts visitors. Today, there are more than 239 stores and retailers from around the world that fill this shopping center. Some of the famous stores are Best Buy, Michael Kors, H&M, Macy’s, and Lord & Taylor.
Aside from offering unique shopping, the mall also provides various facilities, restaurants, and amusement parks such as Mirror Maze, 5 Wits, Canyon Climb Adventure, Lazer Tags, Dave & Buster’s, and WonderWorks.
9. Roosevelt Field Mall
- Total Area: 2,366,692 sq ft
- Total Stores: 250+
Founded by Simon Property Group Interests in 1956, Roosevelt Field Mall has become a famous shopping center on Long Island, New York, as well as the ninth largest in the United States. The mall sits on a land area of more than 2.3 million square feet.
Due to its perfect design and luxurious facilities, Roosevelt Field Mall has attracted various famous brands from all over the world, such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, H&M, Apple, etc.
Not only a shopping center, this mall is also a prime destination for those who want to witness various performances, such as fashion shows, social events, and pop-up stores. Currently, Roosevelt Field Mall features more than 250 stores, eateries, and rides, such as the Children’s Museum of Long Island, Roosevelt Field Garden City, and AMC Roosevelt Field 8.
10. Sawgrass Mills
- Total Area: 2,260,610 sq ft
- Total Stores: 350+
The shopping center, which stands on more than 2.2 million square feet of land, is the tenth largest mall in the United States. Located in Sunrise, Florida, Sawgrass Mills was built by Simon Property Group Interests in 1990.
So far, the mall has become a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike since it offers an incredible shopping experience where visitors can shop indoors and outdoors. In addition, Sawgrass Mills is a paradise for discounted luxury goods, such as Burberry, Prada, Nike Factory Store, Gucci, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, and Forever 2.
With more than 350 stores of various brands worldwide, it is no wonder if the mall has sales of $4.1 billion and is considered the second most profitable shopping center in the United States, according to CNBC.
For those of you who want to enjoy the rides at Sawgrass Mills, you can try places like GameRoom, Sawgrass Lake Park, Paradise Plaza, Wannado City, and Regal Cinemas. Also, you can enjoy dining at several world-class restaurants there.
Well, those are the top 10 biggest shopping malls that you can visit in the United States. Happy Visiting!