5 Best Shopping in Coral Gables, Miami and Miami Beach

Greater Miami's only independent English-language bookshop specializes in contemporary and classical literature as well as books on the arts, architecture, Florida, and Cuba. The Coral Gables store is the largest of several South Florida locations. Here, you can sip and read in the courtyard lounge or dine at the old-fashioned in-store café while browsing the photography gallery. Multiple rooms are filled with myriad genres; plus there's an entire area dedicated to kids. There are book signings, literary events, poetry, and other readings, too.

The centerpiece of the downtown Coral Gables shopping district, lined with trees and busy with strolling shoppers, is home to a host of exclusive couturiers and bridal shops as well as some men's and women's boutiques, jewelry, and home-furnishings stores. The half-mile "mile" runs from Douglas Road to LeJeune Road and Aragon Avenue to Andalusia Avenue, but many of the Gables's best nonbridal shops are found on side streets, off the actual Mile. In addition, the street itself teems with restaurants—more than two dozen—facilitating a fabulous afternoon of shopping and eating.  If debating Miracle Mile versus Bal Harbour or the Design District, check out the others first.

Attending one of Miami’s famed pool parties practically requires a trip to this upscale swimwear boutique. From the teeny-weeny to innovative one-pieces to sporty cuts, the varied suit selection includes Mara Hoffman, Acacia, and Beach Riot, many of which include matching children’s styles for mini beach babes. Flowy cover-ups by the same labels and more can easily double as dinner dresses, while hats, totes, lotions, and even metallic temporary tattoos add a sun-kissed touch. Men’s styles are also available.

At this open-air Mediterranean-style, tri-level, shopping-and-dining venue, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom anchor over 100 specialty shops. Outposts by Jimmy Choo, Tiffany & Co., CH Carolina Herrera, and Gucci fulfill most high-fashion needs, and haute-decor shopping options include Brazilian contemporary-furniture designer Artefacto.

The famed, Miami-based Colombian designer's signature boutique features ready-to-wear, feminine, and frilly dresses and separates accented with chiffon, toile, and sequins. You'll see plenty of Tcherassi's designs on Miami's Latin power players at events and A-list parties. A neighboring atelier showcases the designer's bridal collection.