In the era of one-click convenience, the best malls in the country are proving there is still something special about an IRL shopping day. According to USA TODAY's 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards, these top-tier destinations are not merely surviving the retail apocalypse; they're redefining what a mall can be.

Let's take a stroll, shall we?

A Retail Revival: 10 Malls Dominating 2025

An average of about 1,170 shopping malls have closed each year from 2017 to 2022 (thanks, Amazon), but the standouts adapted.

Travel experts and thousands of readers sifted through hundreds of contenders to crown these 10 malls the best in the country for 2025.

Aventura Mall, Aventura: Florida

Just north of Miami, Aventura is best described as a curated lifestyle experience. Alongside luxury retailers like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Louis Vuitton, visitors are treated to an outdoor art walk with over 20 contemporary installations, including a giant slide you can actually ride.

The Treats Food Hall is known for upscale bites from local chefs and cult-favorite chains. This hot spot is as much about visuals as it is about shopping.

Mall of America: Bloomington, Minnesota

The heavyweight champ with more than 5.6 million square feet of space, the Mall of America is a destination, not a pit stop.

Nickelodeon Universe (yes, a whole theme park inside), SEA LIFE Aquarium, mini golf, escape rooms, and regular events like pop-up exhibits and celebrity appearances keep it buzzing. And did we mention over 500 stores? You could literally spend a weekend here and still not hit them all.

Galleria Dallas: Dallas, Texas

This Texas treasure goes big, naturally. Galleria Dallas features more than 200 stores and is anchored by an iconic indoor ice rink; yes, it is fully operational even in the middle of a Texas summer. The seasonal skating shows during the holidays are a long-standing tradition. Bonus: it's connected to the Westin Hotel, so shopping 'til you drop is totally doable.

The Shops at Hudson Yards: New York City, NY

Sitting in Manhattan's gleaming West Side development, Hudson Yards is the epitome of modern luxury with a view. Luxury retailers like Neiman Marcus, Dior, and Fendi span the contemporary layout, complementing the striking architecture of Hudson Yards.

It's also adjacent to The Vessel and The High Line, so your shopping day doubles as an urban cultural tour. Trendy restaurants like Estiatorio Milos and Mercado Little Spain keep the foodie crowd coming back.

King of Prussia Mall: King of Prussia, PA

KOP (as locals call it) is the second-largest mall in the U.S. and boasts an unbeatable blend of mainstream, mid-tier, and high-end stores. From Nordstrom to Primark to Hermès, it's got something for everyone. It also hosts fashion shows, fitness pop-ups, and even bridal expos, making it a true community centerpiece.

Scottsdale Fashion Square: Scottsdale, Arizona

This desert oasis is where high fashion meets high ceilings. Beyond the luxe lineup of Cartier, Prada, and Saint Laurent, there's a vibrant art scene and open-air events. With a warm climate year-round, the indoor-outdoor design feels breezy and effortless. It's also a favorite for celeb sightings and influencer shoots.

American Dream: East Rutherford, New Jersey

American Dream features indoor skiing at Big SNOW, a DreamWorks water park, and Nickelodeon Universe East. You'll also find a giant observation wheel, escape rooms, and candy stores the size of small grocery stores. And, oh yeah, they have luxury retail, too.

Grapevine Mills: Grapevine, Texas

This North Texas favorite shines for families on a budget. It mixes outlet deals with attractions like LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and a Peppa Pig World of Play.

It's all wrapped in a circular layout that makes navigating with kids way easier. Add in the AMC theater and Rainforest Cafe, and you've got an all-day itinerary.

Tysons Corner: Tysons, Virginia

Just outside D.C., Tysons is where suburban convenience meets urban flair. You'll find Apple, Peloton, and Tesla, plus fashion staples like Zara and Nordstrom. It's a favorite for tech lovers thanks to its emphasis on innovation and electronics. And with two connected malls (Tysons I and Tysons Galleria), the choices are endless.

Brookfield Place: New York City, NY

Brookfield is equal parts a shopping destination and an architectural statement. Located in Lower Manhattan's Financial District, its soaring glass atrium and waterfront views make it feel more like an upscale resort than a retail center.

Luxury boutiques meet curated dining, with standouts like Blue Ribbon Sushi and Black Seed Bagels. And with the marina steps away, the views are part of the draw.

Experience Is the New Anchor

The most successful malls have leaned into what the digital world cannot offer, experiences.

Theme parks, seasonal events, gourmet food halls, rotating art exhibits, and Instagrammable pop-ups are replacing traditional retail as the main attraction.

And it's working. Gen Z and millennial shoppers are showing up not just to browse but to be somewhere. They want real spaces that offer connection, discovery, and plenty of photo ops.

The 2025 Mall Experience: Less Retail, More Real-Life

In a world where digital dominates, the most forward-thinking malls are focusing on what can't be clicked: community, sensory experiences, and spaces that feel alive.

Did you enjoy this mall stroll down memory lane? Tap save to come back later, and share it with your favorite shopping buddy who still says, "Let's meet at the food court."