The 12th largest mall in America sits right in Sunrise, FL — and if you're relocating to South Florida, Sawgrass Mills needs to be on your radar. Here's everything you need to know about this iconic outlet and retail destination.
If you're moving to South Florida — or even just visiting — there is one retail destination so massive, so diverse, and so undeniably South Floridian that it deserves its own travel itinerary: Sawgrass Mills. Owned and operated by Simon Property Group, this is not just a mall. It's an experience — a 2.37-million-square-foot, alligator-shaped retail universe planted right in the heart of Sunrise, Florida.
By the Numbers: The Sheer Scale of Sawgrass
Let's put Sawgrass Mills in perspective. With 2,370,610 square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment space, it ranks as the 12th largest shopping mall in the United States. It opened on October 4, 1990, designed by the acclaimed Miami architecture firm Arquitectonica — and it was built in the unmistakable shape of a Florida alligator (yes, really). Over 35 years later, it is still growing.
- 400+ stores including outlets, value retailers, and luxury boutiques
- 2.37 million sq ft of total mall space — ranked 12th nationally
- 3 distinct zones: The Main Mall, The Oasis, and The Colonnade Outlets
- Free parking plus a 7-floor parking garage
- On-site hotel: AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Sawgrass Mills by Marriott
- Located at 12801 W. Sunrise Blvd, Sunrise, FL 33323
Three Worlds in One: The Zones of Sawgrass Mills
What makes Sawgrass Mills truly unique is that it's not a single mall — it's three distinct shopping experiences woven together under one massive footprint.
1. The Main Mall
This is the heart of the operation. The main mall houses hundreds of outlet and off-price retailers where you'll find brands like Nike, Levi's, Gap, Forever 21, H&M, and dozens more at significantly reduced prices. Think of it as a premium outlet experience at scale — the kind of place you come in planning to spend an hour and leave four hours later.
The interior follows a winding "alligator" floor plan, which means you'll naturally pass more stores than you intended — which is, of course, entirely by design. For new South Florida residents, this is the mall you'll return to again and again for everyday essentials, gifts, and those irresistible impulse finds.
2. The Oasis at Sawgrass Mills
Step outside the main mall and you enter The Oasis — a lively, open-air entertainment complex with restaurants, bars, a cinema, and a more casual, theme-park-adjacent energy. This is where families come to grab a bite after shopping, where date nights happen, and where the vibe shifts from retail hustle to genuine leisure.
Restaurants here range from casual chains to concept eateries, and the outdoor layout makes it particularly enjoyable in the cooler South Florida months (October through April). The Oasis also hosts events and pop-ups throughout the year, making it a community gathering point for western Broward residents.
3. The Colonnade Outlets
This is Sawgrass Mills' most upscale offering — an outdoor luxury outlet corridor that feels distinctly different from the main mall's energy. Here you'll find designer and premium brand outlets in an elegant, walkable setting with beautiful landscaping and a more relaxed pace.
Dining at Sawgrass Mills: More Than a Food Court
Sawgrass Mills has evolved well beyond the standard mall food court. The complex now features a diverse lineup of dining options that give the whole experience a genuine destination feel.
- Grand Lux Cafe — The upscale sister concept to The Cheesecake Factory, serving an extensive international menu in an elegant setting at The Colonnade
- Matchbox — Artisan pizzas and American comfort classics in a two-level space with a warm, brick-and-wood aesthetic
- The Toasted Barrel — A whiskey bar and gastropub concept inside the mall
- Plus dozens of casual dining options, cafés, and a large food court with global cuisine
Location & Getting There: Perfect for South Florida Residents
One of the great things about Sawgrass Mills for relocators is its extraordinarily convenient location within the South Florida road network. Situated at 12801 W. Sunrise Blvd, Sunrise, FL 33323, it sits at the intersection of major arteries that connect virtually all of Broward County.
- From Fort Lauderdale: ~20 minutes west via I-595 or Sunrise Blvd
- From Boca Raton: ~30 minutes via the Turnpike or I-95 to I-595
- From Miami: ~40 minutes north on I-95 to I-595 West
- From Palm Beach: ~45 minutes south on I-95
- Next door to Amerant Bank Arena — home of the Florida Panthers NHL
Free parking is plentiful (this is critical — Sawgrass Mills has one of the largest free parking lots in the country), with additional garage parking available. The mall also has its own AC Hotel by Marriott on-site, making it a destination for regional visitors who combine a shopping trip with a weekend getaway.
Why Sawgrass Mills Matters for Relocators
When my clients move to South Florida, Sawgrass Mills consistently comes up in their first few months as a discovery that genuinely surprises them — in the best possible way. Here's why it matters for new residents:
Setting Up a New Home
Moving to a new state means furnishing and equipping a new life. Sawgrass Mills houses BrandsMart USA — South Florida's legendary electronics and appliance retailer — making it a one-stop shop for everything from flat-screen TVs to kitchen appliances at competitive prices.
Fashion at Every Budget
Whether you're outfitting your wardrobe for a new job, stocking up on basics, or treating yourself to a luxury brand at outlet prices, Sawgrass Mills genuinely covers every price point. The combination of The Main Mall (value and mid-tier) and The Colonnade Outlets (designer) under one address is rare even by national standards.
Live Here Too: Residential Communities Near Sawgrass Mills
If Sawgrass Mills has you thinking about the western Broward lifestyle, you're not alone. The communities surrounding the Sawgrass corridor have become some of the most sought-after addresses in Broward County.
Metropica — Sunrise's Newest Urban Village
Just steps from Sawgrass Mills, Metropica is a master-planned mixed-use development that represents the future of South Florida living. With luxury condos, walkable retail, and a hotel component, Metropica offers a true live-work-play environment.
TAO — Sunrise's Signature Luxury Resort Community
A few miles west, TAO Sawgrass is a gated resort community with a lagoon pool, fitness complex, spa, and beautifully landscaped grounds.
Artesia — Coconut Creek's Upscale Gated Haven
A short drive north in Coconut Creek, Artesia offers an upscale gated lifestyle with resort-caliber amenities and lushly landscaped grounds.
Thinking about living near Sawgrass Mills? Reach out for a personalized relocation consultation.
Pro Tips for Your First Sawgrass Mills Visit
- Go on a weekday — weekends can be overwhelming
- Download the Simon app — includes mall map and exclusive offers
- Start at The Colonnade — if luxury shopping is your priority
- Plan for 3-4 hours minimum
- Eat at Grand Lux or Matchbox — skip the food court for your main meal
The Bottom Line
Sawgrass Mills is one of those South Florida institutions that you simply have to experience to understand. It's not just shopping — it's a genuine piece of the regional identity.
Ready to explore what living near Sawgrass Mills looks like? Contact Jacob Edri for a free relocation consultation.
Photo Attribution: All images from Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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