If you're heading to Greater Fort Lauderdale and love to shop, make time for Sawgrass Mills. While the destination is home to plenty of high-end boutiques and shopping centers, Sawgrass Mills stands out as one of Florida's premier designer outlet destinations. With hundreds of stores, luxury brands and unbeatable deals, it's a must-visit for shoppers. Here's what to know before planning your visit. 

What is Sawgrass Mills?

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Sawgrass MillsLocated about 15 miles from downtown Fort Lauderdale in Sunrise and just minutes from Amerant Bank Arena, home of the Florida Panthers, Sawgrass Mills has been a shopping destination for more than 35 years. It's also the largest single-story outlet and value retail shopping destination in the United States, with more than 2 million square feet of retail space and more than 350 stores.

The mall is known for its impressive mix of designer outlets, luxury boutiques, popular retailers and dining options, drawing locals and visitors to Greater Fort Lauderdale throughout the year in search of unbeatable deals. It's also one of South Florida's most popular shopping destinations for international travelers, with many visitors planning a trip to Sawgrass Mills specifically to shop luxury brands and score outlet savings that can be difficult to find elsewhere.

Fun fact: Sawgrass Mills is shaped like an alligator, a nod to the nearby Everglades.

Exploring The Colonnade Outlets

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Entrance to The Colonnade at Sawgrass shopping mall with people walking and stores on a sunny day under a partly cloudy sky.

Sawgrass Mills has long been a destination for department stores and popular retailers, the addition of The Colonnade Outlets in 2006 elevated the shopping experience with a dedicated collection of internationally recognized luxury brands. Here, shoppers can browse designer boutiques offering savings of up to 70% off retail prices, making it one of Florida's top destinations for luxury outlet shopping.

The Colonnade Outlets are easy to explore on their own. Convenient parking, including surface lots and a parking garage, is located just steps from the entrance, making it easy to spend a few hours browsing luxury brands.

Sawgrass Mills - Colonnade

From Milan and Paris to London and Florence, here are 10 luxury brands worth visiting during your next trip to The Colonnade Outlets.

  • Prada: Discover luxury clothing, handbags, shoes and accessories from the iconic Milan-based fashion house known for its timeless yet innovative designs.
  • Gucci: Browse Italian-crafted handbags, shoes, ready-to-wear collections and accessories from one of the world's most recognizable luxury brands.
  • Fendi: Explore sophisticated Italian fashion, leather goods and accessories from the renowned Roman fashion house.
  • Christian Louboutin: Best known for its signature red-soled shoes, Christian Louboutin also offers handbags, accessories and contemporary fashion.
  • Jimmy Choo: Shop glamorous footwear, handbags and accessories from the London luxury label celebrated for its red-carpet style.
  • Valentino: Find elegant Italian fashion, shoes, handbags and accessories that blend timeless craftsmanship with modern design.
  • Versace: Known for bold prints, vibrant colors and the iconic Medusa logo, Versace offers fashion, accessories, fragrances and home décor.
  • Bottega Veneta: Founded in Vicenza, Italy, Bottega Veneta is celebrated for its exceptional leather craftsmanship, woven handbags and understated luxury.
  • Saint Laurent: Browse sleek ready-to-wear collections, handbags, shoes and accessories from the legendary French fashion house.
  • Ferragamo: Discover expertly crafted Italian shoes, leather goods, handbags and accessories from one of Italy's most respected luxury brands.

The Best Restaurants Near The Colonnade Outlets

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With 70 designer outlets to explore, you'll have plenty of ground to cover during your next shopping trip to The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills. Be sure to set aside time to refuel along the way.

You'll find plenty of quick bites and sweet treats throughout the shopping center, but there are also several sit-down restaurants perfect for a break between stores. At The Colonnade Outlets, stop by PAUL for European pastries and café fare, Grand Luxe Café for American favorites with global influences, La Doña Mexican Seafood & Grill for dishes ranging from lobster tacos to octopus carpaccio, P.F. Chang’s for Asian-inspired cuisine, or Seasons 52 for fresh, seasonal dishes.

When you’re looking for things to do in Sunrise, a trip to Sawgrass Mills in Greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida, should be at the top of your list. And even if you’ve narrowed down your visit to just The Colonnade Outlets, remember: it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Give yourself ample time to shop (ideally, not until you drop) and enjoy the lap of luxury all around — you deserve it.