The Best Mall in Every State Gallery

The mall is the hallmark of American suburbia. A good mall is at once both comforting and exciting with an air of familiarity and endless possibility. Whether it’s a walkable outdoor space or an indoor complex five stories high, the best malls will delight your eyes and your taste buds — and slim your wallet.

The Daily Meal has researched every mall in every state, evaluating the options and number of shops and the variety of restaurants and food court stalls at each, plus the amenities, activities, and extras, to bring you a list of the highest-rated and most-loved mall in every state. We also took a look at online reviews from sites like Yelp and TripAdvisor and included some of the most useful reviews in our evaluation.

Although the Mall of America and the King of Prussia Mall will never lose their high status as some of the best in the U.S., there are a plethora of malls throughout America that are equally as amazing and full of high-end, mid-range, and even outlet shops. They’re in cities, town centers, and, of course, suburbs. Whether the mall is your happy place or a necessary evil when you need new clothes, be sure to read through our list of the best mall in every state before you grab your Wetzel’s Pretzel and Hot Dog on a Stick lemonade and hit the shops!

The upscale Riverchase Galleria is the 43rd largest mall in America. The 1,900,000-square-foot space on the Alabama property near Birmingham includes all of your favorite mall staples, an upcoming Dave & Buster’s, and a Costco.

This five-story mall is home to a bunch of tax-free clothing stores (Alaska has no state sales tax) as well as many upscale shops. One Yelp reviewer raved, “This is overall a great place, no sales tax, lots of food choices, and a lot of good deals, some people could spend days in here.”

The largest shopping mall in Arizona recently had a facelift and now looks just as modern and luxurious as the clothing in its over 200 shops. This high-end Scottsdale mall also offers a concierge service that will make restaurant reservations, assist with package carry-out, and provide resort and hotel information, transportation assistance, and a valet service.

Many reviewers have remarked on how lovely it is to stroll around the outdoor Pinnacle Hills Promenade when the weather is nice. They also enjoy its plethora of stores and food services. It is also home to Arkansas’ first Houlihan’s restaurant.

Costa Mesa’s South Coast Plaza is the largest mall on the West Coast. Just two hours outside of LA, this California mall is every shoppers’ paradise with over 250 boutiques and stores as well as 30 restaurants. As it is so large, many customers use its grounds for exercising. Just be careful not to get lost!

“Pearl Street Mall is a compilation of eclectic people and their eclectic shops and restaurants. In the summer, you'll see street acts, wannabe musicians, families with kids, hawkers of goods, food vendors, young and old and a real cool, open vibe,” said one Yelper of Boulder, Colorado’s Pearl Street Mall.

The Connecticut Post Mall is the largest mall in Connecticut and includes a movie theatre, a Buffalo Wild Wings, Bar Louie, and many, many shops.

This Delaware mall is home to the only tax-free Nordstrom on the East Coast, but many customers take advantage of its myriad of other shops and boutiques. “There is certainly no shortage of shopping options here,” wrote a reviewer. “That goes for clothing, restaurants, just about anything you need or want.”

This indoor climate-controlled shopping mall is the perfect escape from the Florida heat. With more than 350 stores, customers can spend all day here wandering in and out of shops, eating at its plethora of restaurants, or watching movies at the theater. Many reviewers recommend purchasing a map to plan out your day, as Sawgrass Mills can become overwhelming even if you do know what you’re doing.

The Lenox Square Mall is best known for its high-end shopping and great food court. They even have a Sprinkles Cupcakes ATM! “Food court was super nice and I'm very picky,” said a Yelper. “There's a lot of choices, I recommend the Rise Pies and getting the macaroons.”

Hawaii’s Ala Moana Center is the seventh largest mall in the U.S. Visitors can inhale the fragrant Honolulu breezes as they peruse the over 340 shops in this open-air mall. Plus, six days a week the Ala Moana Hula Showcase performs traditional hula dancing for its guests.

Pretty European-style buildings and fountains that have hourly music and light shows enchant all who come to this Idaho mall. This mall also offers such special events as paint and sip classes taught by Boise Art Museum instructors.

Everyone in the Chicagoland area will tell you that the best mall is, without a doubt, the Woodfield Mall. Located in Schaumburg near the Ikea, the Woodfield Mall has tons of food, restaurants, stands, and stalls to meet every shopper’s needs.

“This is my favorite mall in the entire city. Many of the stores appeal to my fashion taste. I rarely shop anywhere else. Most of the stores are pretty affordable. I enjoy walking around this mall. Nice food court. Interesting people watching. It truly has it all,” said one review of Indiana’s Castleton Square Mall.

If you’re looking to do a bit of shopping in Iowa, look no further than the Jordan Creek Town Center. This 1,340,000-square-foot mall is Iowa’s largest and offers a lakefront boardwalk as well as a 20-screen movie theatre.

Although technically in Missouri, this border town mall is so beloved by shoppers in Kansas that they consider it to be their state's mall. Astounding Crown Center is attached to a hotel, a Legoland, and an Aquarium. They have a wide variety of shops featuring souvenirs, clothing, shoes, home furnishings, liquor, and more.

“This is a great mall. It has a lot of things to do. You could spend the whole day there. It was a lot of fun!” enthused one reviewer of Kentucky’s largest mall. If you’re spending a whole day in Fayette Mall, be sure to check out its over 200 stores and its movie theatre.

This collection of shops boasts a gorgeous river view, plenty of shops, and tons of food and parking. Plus, it’s right around the corner from a hotel. “There were a lot of different things on the boardwalk it was nice out & I think we stopped in every store, especially the candy store & there is a Hooters which was right up my ally lol,” wrote a recent customer.

The Maine mall offers all the classic mall comforts — shops, a food court, etc. — but in an impossibly clean environment. “Always updated, bright, beautiful and clean. Large variety of shopping venues to satisfy anyone. Great place to walk too,” praised a review.

What makes the Arundel Mills mall a local-favorite is the fact that it houses an enclosed Medieval Times dinner theatre. It’s also located next to Maryland Live casino, making it an excellent spot to spend your winnings.

The Natick Mall in Massachusetts has plenty of shops and places to eat, but it now houses a Wegmans supermarket that includes a wine section with more than 500 types of craft, domestic, and imported beers. The first ever Wegman’s to be built inside of a mall will also feature a tequila bar, called Blue Dalia.

This luxury three-story mall is connected by a large bridge with views over city roads. From Claire’s to David Yurman to Saks Fifth Avenue, there is something for everyone at Somerset Collection. “You can find anything you need or want at the Somerset Mall in Troy,” wrote a customer. “Fashion ranging from affordable to high-end! Don't miss stopping at this fun and gorgeous mall. There are also many delicious restaurants to choose from, too!”

The Mall of America is the largest mall in the country and one of the top tourist destinations in the United States. Yes, there are shops — tons of shops and restaurants. But there is also an amusement park and a Nickelodeon Universe within its unending walls.

“It's def [sic] getting five stars from me. This place has a little bit of everything. Food, a bonefish grill, tons of stores. Parking is right across from the beach so it's fun to eat. Shop. And go to the beach. It's an all in all good mall. It has a carousel and rock climbing!” said a reviewer of Mississippi’s Edgewater Mall.

Named for its location on the corner of Glenstone Road and Battlefield Road, Battlefield Mall offers over 150 shops and restaurants. This 1.2 million-square-foot Missouri mall receives over 12 million visitors a year.

This Montana mall is a local favorite for the way it gives back to its community with food drives, auction benefits, and working with nonprofit organizations. Plus, it houses weekly exhibits, arts and crafts, and seasonal activities for children.

Gateway Mall has all the classic comforts of your favorite mall plus a lovely food court. This Nebraska mall also includes a merry-go-round and JC Penny’s, Sears, and Dillard’s as anchor stores.

The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace are fit for royalty. They are the height of luxury inside a very luxe hotel on the Vegas Strip. Check out the best places to eat and drink in Nevada after your shopping spree.

his classic mall is a New Hampshire favorite for its food court filled with such goodies as Dunkin’ Donuts, Orange Julius, Gloria Jean’s Coffees, a Longhorn Steakhouse, a Red Robin, and more.

Ten miles west of Newark airport and 23 miles west of Manhattan sits the Mall at Short Hills. Home to over 150 shops including Cartier, Chanel, Dior, and Gucci. However, it could soon be overshadowed by a $3 billion mega-mall scheduled to open in East Rutherford March 2019 called “American Dream Meadowlands.”

ABQ Uptown welcomes its visitors with a cheerful blue, yellow, and red sign. This outdoor collection of stores is considered to be the best upscale destination in New Mexico. “Everything you need in one stop,” said a Yelper. “Clothing, jewelry, T-Mobile, gelato (yummy!) Casual dining to fine dining. And a Trader Joe’s. How can one not enjoy the area!”

plethora of high-end stores and recent sophisticated and grand renovations. “The place is gorgeous, spacious, clean, and ubiquitous. There is something to be said about the retail establishment that call this mall home. Let's just say that "credit card required" should be there slogan. There's Burberry, Coach, Louis, Kors, Ferragamo, you name it they probably have it,” wrote a Yelper.

This SouthPark neighborhood mall is the perfect mix of high-end and mid-range shops. At 1,790,000 square feet it is also the largest mall in the Carolinas. They offer such tasty food chain options as Maggiano’s Little Italy, California Pizza Kitchen, The Cheesecake Factory, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks, and Cowfish Sushi.

“This mall is great for the entire family. Well placed family bathrooms, a playground for the kids to spend some energy, well placed point of interest along the way to keep them excited (fish tank, water fountain, bison), and lots of resting spots for the people in your group not so fond of shopping,” commented one reviewer. Wait… bison? We’d expect no less from North Dakota’s best mall.

Ohio’s Crocker Park is an outdoor experience comprised of shops, restaurants, apartments, and office space. Yes, you can actually live in this outdoor mall — and presumably grab your groceries at the Trader Joe’s or Giant Eagle in the complex. Roll out of bed or head home from work and you’ll find an Anthropologie, Eddie Bauer, Lululemon, and a Regal Cinema!

One of the things customers love about Oklahoma’s Penn Square is that it’s climate controlled. Shoppers come here to beat the heat and the cold while shopping in over 140 retail stores or lounging in the renovated food court.

Oregon’s Woodburn Premium Outlets is one of the top destinations in the Pacific Northwest for tax-free outlet shopping. The shopping center comprises over 110 luxury, designer, and mid-range stores, all with prices slashed as low as 65 percent.

This Philadelphia mall is the largest shopping mall in the United States in terms of gross leasable area in the U.S. and sees around 25 million visitors a year! With its seven major department stores and over 400 shops and restaurants, it’s hard not find everything you’re shopping for — and a few extra surprises — at King of Prussia.

Providence Place is the largest mall in the tiny state of Rhode Island. However, being the largest mall in a small state doesn’t mean it’s short on selections. “There's a lot of options here - I frequently come for Dave & Busters, Apple, and Zagg as well as downtown events,” said one Yelper.

Shoppers visiting South Carolina’s Coastal Grand Mall may come for the shops, but they stay for the food. The mall’s food court and stand-alone restaurants have a bevy of options and can’t be beat. Chick-fil-A, China Express, Auntie Anne’s, Texas Roadhouse, Red Robin, Sticky Finger’s, and Abeuelo’s make up only a few of their myriad of eateries.

The Empire Mall is the largest tourist attraction in the state of South Dakota, bringing in shoppers from as far as 200 miles away. Nowhere else will visitors find high-end retail shops, fun holiday guest events, or tasty food court options all in one place.

“Most malls these days are just designer shops and shoes. This one has shops for every age and price range. Lots of sit down and fast food restaurants. Wax museum. Souvenir shops. Recommended!” a TripAdvisor commenter excitedly reported about Tennessee’s Opry Mills.

Affectionately referred to as simply “The Galleria,” the Houston Galleria is the largest mall in Texas. Shoppers love its over 375 retail options and the in-mall hotel where visitors can stay after they’ve shopped until they’ve dropped.

Shoppers come to the Shops at South Town mainly for their kids. The mall has tons of kid-friendly entertainment such as a monthly kid’s club, a nickel arcade, a play place, and a train that drives all around the mall. There is even an interactive screen in the food court for kids to play games on while mom and dad shop!

Church Street Marketplace covers four outdoor blocks of Vermont streets. Its mix of local and chain vendors make it a unique and well-loved shopping spot.

Tysons Corner Center boasts an American Girl store, a LEGO store, a 16-screen movie theater, and two huge food courts. “This is a great place to shop, eat, chill, or entertain. Even if you just want to browse, it's the best,” recommends one satisfied shopper.

Westfield malls are known for being some of the best in the country due to their quality vendors and typically tightly run management. Washington’s Westfield Southcenter is a favorite for those reasons and for its enormous windows that stream in tons of sunshine.

“Back in the day, CityCenterDC was a massive astroturf parking lot where you'd pick up the MegaBus or BoltBus to New York City,” lamented one Yelper. “Fast forward a few years, it's now the shining gem of DC attracting tourists and convention goers. For locals, it's a beautiful show as you walk by to dinner in Chinatown.” It’s also touted as a major Instagram-friendly spot for its festive holiday displays!

The largest mall in West Virginia is home to such classic mall fare as Hot Topic, American Eagle, Macy’s, Dick’s, and a Disney store. It’s a fan favorite for having many options, all of them comforting and familiar.

“With all the talk about dying Malls it seems the word has not reached Mayfair,” says a loyal fan of Wisconsin’s Mayfair Mall. “New stores being added and still spotlessly clean. Apple Store still has lines and the food court is busy. It remains an enjoyable place to shop and people watch.”

This Wyoming mall is not huge, but it has heart. Visitors love its western-themed store, “All Wild & Western,” which has designs from local vendors and all the frontier vibes you could ever imagine. Need a happy hour to forget about all the cash you dropped after all this shopping? Check out the best chain restaurant happy hour deals.