Miami Design District
Again, not a mall, but a neighborhood that was originally dominated by galleries and furniture stores that developer Craig Robins transformed into a retail paradise. How did he manage it? By persuading some of the most prominent luxury labels, like Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Fendi, Céline, Dior, Hermès, and Prada, to open flagship stores. Oh, then there are Michelin-starred restaurants like Michael's Genuine, Cote, and Le Jardinier. The Design District caters to affluent clients, but there's still enough to do if you're barely making ends meet.
Remember to look up at the fronts of the buildings as you walk from shop to shop, since the architecture has been designed to blend in with the Design District theme. The area is studded with art installations by some of the world's most notable artists, thanks to Robins' broad connections to the art world. The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, in the neighborhood is always free, while Paradise Plaza provides events that are either free or have a modest ticket fee. Nobody will think you're strange if all you do is go window shopping.
Sofia is one of the area's most beautiful restaurants, with dusky pink seating and rotating wall art. Brunch, lunch, bar tops, dinner, dessert, wine, and cocktails are all available on the Italian restaurant menu. There is also an outside seating area adjacent to the Fly Eye Dome. Nothing says lux like an espresso with a CD certification stamp! The very boujee rooftop Dior Cafe is located at the top of the Dior boutique. Babies and photogenic pets who are well behaved are welcome!
Address: Between North Miami and NE Second Avenues
Website: https://www.miamidesigndistrict.net/
