Outlet malls, man. If you’re going to throw passive-aggressive elbows from inside your car just to get a parking space, the discounts (and scenery! and lunch spots!) better be worth your while. Here, five shopping compounds around the country that definitely won't disappoint.
The 5 Best Outlet Malls in America
That double as fun day trips
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Published Apr 18, 2016
San Marcos Premium Outlets
Welcome to Venice--or, um, Texas. This super-luxe setup (which includes stores like Lululemon, Kate Spade New York and Tory Burch) is actually modeled after the Piazza San Marco, complete with bubbling fountains and sweeping waterways that you can lounge--and lunch--beside whenever you need a break from the 75-percent-off racks. Also, good news: It’s only about 30 minutes south of Austin. (Just dial Uber.)
Desert Hills Premium Outlets
Just two hours east of L.A. (on the way to Palm Springs), this outdoor plaza kind of has it all: 130 stores (think DVF and Neiman Marcus, plus Alexander McQueen’s first-ever U.S. outlet store), oodles of parking…and A-List celeb sightings (come on, they all live so close by).
Wrentham Village Premium Outlets
This shopping hot spot is located 45 minutes south of Boston, but it’s worth the trip to take in the outdoor shopping mall’s quaint New England feel. Browse through stores like Le Creuset and Bloomingdale’s before making a pit stop at the Godiva store for a midmorning snack. There are 170 stores to explore, so be sure to wear comfy sneaks.
Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
Hop an hour-long train ride from New York City and you’ll come face-to-face with the largest collection of outlet stores in America. We’re talking Burberry, Dior, Gucci and even the elusive Céline. And should you need some sugary sustenance somewhere in there: Magnolia Bakery is opening a cupcake outpost there this spring.
Silver Sands Premium Outlets
For those looking for a more laid-back assortment of stores, this massive compound on the Florida Panhandle offers 100-plus options (like J.Crew Factory, Under Armour and Bose) all nestled in close proximity to the beach. In fact, the store events are this outlet mall’s point of pride. For example, the Nike Factory Store is known to invite customers to join them for evening runs by the surf.
