15 Best Shopping in Northeast Coast, Florida

BookMark

Fodor's choice

This independent bookstore may be small in size, but it is big in prestige. Thanks to its knowledgeable owners, many famous authors love this place and tend to include it on their publicity tours. Once you've bought books here a time or two, the staff will be able to recommend ones you'll like with amazing accuracy.

One Daytona

Fodor's choice

A massive shopping, dining, and entertainment complex across from the Daytona International Speedway, One Daytona is anchored by a 12-screen luxury movie theater and a Bass Pro Shops Outpost. The complex also includes 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Jeremiah's Italian Ice, Game Time, and two hotels.

Ron Jon Surf Shop

Fodor's choice

It's impossible to miss the flagship and original Ron Jon: it takes up nearly two blocks along Route A1A and has a giant surfboard and an art deco facade painted orange, blue, yellow, and turquoise. What started in 1963 as a small T-shirt and bathing-suit shop has evolved into a 52,000-square-foot superstore that's open every day 'round the clock. The shop rents water-sports gear as well as chairs and umbrellas, and it sells every kind of beachwear, surf wax, plus the requisite T-shirts and flip-flops.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Cocoa Village

You could spend hours browsing in the more than 50 boutiques here, along Brevard Avenue as well as Harrison Street, which has the densest concentration of shops. Although most stores are of the gift and clothing variety, the village is also home to antiques shops, art galleries, restaurants, breweries, a tattoo parlor, a bakery for pets, and a spa. Most businesses (even the pubs) are dog-friendly.

Cove Marketplace

Whether you're at Port Canaveral for a cruise or are just passing through, this area on the south side of the harbor has shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including the seven-story Exploration Tower. Since most of the bars and eateries are located on the public waterfront area, you'll have a great view of the cruise ships.

Daytona Flea and Farmers' Market

One of the largest flea markets in the South draws residents from all over the state as well as visitors. It's open weekends, including Friday, from 9 to 5.

Fantastic Fudge

Right there in the window, resting in splendor on several marble-topped tables, are huge blocks of fudge just calling your name—enough fudge to put every citizen of the town into a coma—not to mention hand-dipped chocolates, caramel corn, and so on. Indeed, if you hang out at one of the tables in front, you'll see just about every kind of person imaginable pause by the door, sigh, and give in to temptation. Fast, friendly service is a hallmark of this family-owned confectionery, which also has excellent ice cream and homemade waffle cones.

Merritt Square Mall

The area's only major shopping mall is about a 20-minute ride from the beach. Stores include Macy's, Dillard's, Ollie's Bargain Outlet, and roughly 70 others. There's also a 16-screen multiplex, along with a food court and several restaurant chains. It's an indoor mall, a rapidly vanishing fixture in the Florida landscape, making for comfortable shopping in the heat of summer.

Renninger's Flea & Farmers' Market

You're sure to find a bargain at one of the 800-plus booths at this market, which is held every Friday and weekends from 9 to 4.

Riverside Arts Market

Riverside

The merchandise is one of the draws at this market, held Saturday from 10 to 3; the unique location is another. It's tucked under the soaring bridge that carries I--95 over the St. Johns River, a block from the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and a healthy walk along the Riverwalk from Downtown. Singles, couples, and families (and their dogs) all come to shop for locally created art and crafts; sample bites from food trucks and other vendors, including some excellent area restaurants; and check out street performers or the live music shows on the riverfront stage. Quality is high in every aspect—artists and vendors all go through a fairly rigorous application/audition process—and what there is to see or hear or eat varies from week to week. There's also a farmers' market, with licensed farmers and growers selling everything from just-laid eggs and local honey to salad greens that were still in the earth the day before. Because it's sheltered by the bridge, RAM goes on rain or shine. Free parking is available at adjacent businesses, and a "bike valet" service encourages people to arrive on two wheels.

San Marco Square

San Marco

More than a dozen interesting apparel, home, and jewelry stores and upscale local restaurants, set in 1920s, Mediterranean Revival–style buildings, surround the open square here.

San Marco Blvd. at Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida, 32207, USA

St. Augustine Premium Outlets

Just north of St. Augustine, off I–95, is this collection of designer and brand-name outlets including those for Vans, Under Armour, and Kate Spade. There's also a Nike Factory Store.

St. Johns Town Center

Southside

With more than 175 dining and retail establishments, this outdoor "lifestyle center" is huge, and some of its shops aren't found anywhere else in northeast Florida. Look for Anthropologie, Apple, LEGO Store, Lululemon, Nordstrom, Peleton, Sephora, and Tesla. Restaurant choices range from fast-food places to sit-down restaurants such as the Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, The Capital Grille, and Maggiano's Little Italy.

TangerOutlets

The 70-plus outlets here include Nike, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Vineyard Vines, and Under Armour.

The Pavilion at Port Orange

Just off I–95 (Port Orange Exit), this outdoor shopping complex houses a 14-screen Regal Pavilion, numerous restaurants, and retailers like HomeGoods and ULTA beauty and cosmetics.