8 Best Shopping in Miami and Miami Beach, Florida

The eight-block-long pedestrian mall between Alton Road and Washington Avenue is home to more than 100 shops, art galleries, restaurants, and cafés, as well as the renovated Colony Theatre. A see-and-be-seen theme is underscored by outdoor seating at every restaurant, where tourists and locals lounge and discuss the people (and pet) parade passing by. Due to high rents, you are more likely to see big corporate stores like J.Crew, H&M, and Victoria's Secret than original boutiques. Nevertheless, a few emporiums and stores with unique personalities remain, along with a number of top-notch restaurants, like Juvia and MILA.

Though exhibited throughout galleries and museums in more than 100 countries, the vibrant, pop art creations by Brazilian artist Romero Britto have become most synonymous with Miami’s playful spirit. His flagship gallery showcases original paintings and limited-edition sculptures for sale. Collectibles, fine art prints, and his signature interpretations in collaboration with some of America’s most iconic characters and brands, including Disney and Coca-Cola, can be found at the Britto Concept store down the street at 532 Lincoln Road.

Occupying an entire circa-1939 art deco building, The Webster's flagship (and original) location is a tri-level, 20,000-square-foot, one-stop shop for fashionistas. This retail sanctuary carries ready-to-wear fashions by more than 100 top designers, plus in-store exclusive shirts, candles, books, and random trendy items you might need for your South Beach experience—a kind of haute Urban Outfitters for grown-ups.

Give your plastic a workout in South Beach shopping at the many high-profile tenants on this densely packed stretch of Collins between 5th and 8th Streets, with stores like FREE People, The Webster, Vans, and Armani Exchange. Sprinkled among the upscale vendors are hair salons, spas, cafés, and such familiar stores as Gap and Sephora.

This women's luxury resale specialist dutifully delivers on all promises. Discover a wealth of vintage and consignment items by top designers at pre-owned prices, including Chanel suits, Fendi bags, and Celine and Prada treasures. The shoes and handbag selections are particularly awesome.

Just north of Lincoln Road's main drag, this over-the-top pet boutique caters to enthusiastic animal owners with a variety of unique items for the super-pampered pet. From luxurious, vegan "leather" designer dog purse/carriers to bling-bling-studded collars to chic waste bag holders, Miami's "original pet boutique" carries pretty much every pet accessory imaginable. You'll also find plenty of gourmet food and treats, as well as a wide variety of fancy toys for dogs, large and small.

Expect high style and eye-catching garments at this boutique. The studio-like setting matches the highly edited collection of fashionista favorites (previous brands have included Bec & Bridge, Sam&Lavi, IRO, and For Love & Lemons). Co-owner Cheryl Herger also designs her own private-label line especially for frankie. Skirts and dresses with interesting silhouettes, uniquely cut tops, and swimwear almost too good for just the pool are interspersed with easy-chic basics.

A massive roster of established and young designer brands makes this one-stop boutique of clothing, swimwear, shoes, and accessories a favorite among those in the know. New daily arrivals draw from the latest celebrity looks and include designs by Alexis, Alice + Olivia, Chaser, Karina Grimaldi, Rails, and many more.