6 Best Places to Shop in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, Florida

Las Olas Boulevard is the epicenter of Fort Lauderdale's lifestyle. Not only are 50 of the city's best boutiques, dozens of top restaurants, and eclectic art galleries found along this landscaped street, but Las Olas links the growing downtown area with Fort Lauderdale's beautiful beaches.

This alligator-shaped megamall draws millions of shoppers a year to its collection of over 350 outlet stores, including more than 70 luxury brand outlets like Burberry, GUCCI, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, The Company Store, Tory Burch, and Versace. According to the mall, it's the second-largest attraction in Florida—second only to Walt Disney World. Although this may sound like an exaggeration, prepare for crowds and to spend a full day here.

The Shops at Pembroke Gardens is an outdoor oasis with a variety of shops, restaurants, salons, and spas. From shops like White House Black Market and Sephora to local dining options like RA Sushi and Village Tavern, it's a popular hangout among locals and tourists. 

Fort Lauderdale's most sophisticated mall is just west of the Intracoastal Waterway. The split-level emporium comprises Apple, H&M, Macy's, and dozens of specialty shops. You can chow down at the Capital Grille, P. F. Chang's China Bistro, or Seasons 52—or sip cocktails at Blue Martini. The mall itself is open Monday through Saturday 11–9, Sunday noon–6. The stand-alone restaurants and bars are open later.

Just north of Las Olas Boulevard on Route A1A, this shopping gallery is attached to the mammoth Marriott's BeachPlace Towers' time-share property. Retail spaces are occupied by touristy shops that sell everything from sarongs to alligator heads, chain restaurants like Hooters, bars serving frozen drinks, and a supersize CVS pharmacy, which sells everything you need for the beach.

Beach Place has covered parking and usually has plenty of spaces, but you can pinch pennies by using a nearby municipal lot.

A fabulous alternative to overpriced behemoths for the health-conscious in Oakland Park, this green market and café is bursting with colorful, local, fresh produce, wild-caught fish, prepared foods, and other goods. The quality is top-notch, yet the prices are affordable. You can grab breakfast or lunch and cross things off your grocery list, while knowing that each item has a ton of integrity. Plus there's fair-trade coffee.