What Sawgrass Mills is and where to find it
Sawgrass Mills is a large outlet mall in Sunrise, Florida, about 30 minutes north of Miami. It sits off Interstate 595 and is one of the biggest outlet malls in the United States by square footage. The mall has over 350 stores, split between two main buildings connected by a bridge, so you will walk between indoor and outdoor sections depending on which stores you visit.
The mall is open year-round and operates seven days a week. Hours are typically 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, though hours can shift during holidays or special events. Parking is free and spread across multiple lots around the buildings.
Key Takeaways
- Sawgrass Mills has over 350 outlet stores across two connected buildings in Sunrise, Florida, with free parking and year-round hours.
- The mall includes outlet versions of major brands like Nike, Coach, Gap, and Saks OFF 5TH, as well as department store anchors like Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom Rack.
- Prices at outlet stores are typically lower than full-price retail, but not all items are discounted equally — some are made specifically for outlet sale.
- The mall has restaurants, a food court, and a movie theater, so you can spend several hours there beyond shopping.
- Sawgrass Mills attracts many international visitors, so it can be crowded during peak travel seasons and weekends.
Major stores and brands at Sawgrass Mills
The mall anchors include Saks Fifth Avenue (full-price department store), Nordstrom Rack (Nordstrom's outlet), and Saks OFF 5TH (Saks Fifth Avenue's outlet). These three are the largest stores and are good places to start if you are looking for designer brands or higher-end merchandise.
The outlet section has dedicated stores for Nike, Adidas, Gap, Old Navy, Coach, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Polo Ralph Lauren, and many others. There is also a Levi's outlet, a Fossil outlet, and a Samsonite outlet. The mix includes apparel, footwear, accessories, home goods, and luggage.
Beyond clothing and accessories, you will find electronics outlets (Best Buy outlet), sporting goods, toy stores, and beauty retailers. The mall also has a Regal Cinemas movie theater if you want to take a break from shopping.
How outlet pricing works at Sawgrass Mills
Outlet stores sell merchandise at lower prices than full-price retail locations, but the discount structure varies. Some items are overstock or last season's inventory from regular stores. Other items are made specifically for the outlet and may not be sold anywhere else — these are sometimes called "outlet-only" merchandise.
Outlet-only items are often made with slightly different materials or construction than the full-price version, which is why they cost less. This does not mean they are poor quality, but it means you are not always getting the exact same product at a discount. Reading tags and asking store staff can help you understand what you are buying.
Prices at outlet stores are generally 20 to 40 percent lower than full-price retail, though this varies by brand and item. Sales and clearance events happen throughout the year, and some stores offer additional discounts during holiday weekends.
Getting to Sawgrass Mills and parking
Sawgrass Mills is located at 12801 West Sunrise Boulevard in Sunrise, Florida. If you are driving, take Interstate 595 to the Sunrise Boulevard exit. The mall is visible from the highway and is straightforward to find. GPS coordinates or a map app will get you directly to the parking areas.
Parking is free and plentiful. There are multiple parking lots surrounding both buildings, and during most days you will find a spot within a short walk of the entrance. During peak shopping times (weekends, holidays, and the winter season when tourists visit), parking lots can fill up, but overflow parking is available.
If you are flying into Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Sawgrass Mills is about 30 to 45 minutes away depending on traffic. Many visitors rent a car or use a rideshare service to get there. Some hotels in the area offer shuttle service to the mall.
When to visit and what to expect crowd-wise
Sawgrass Mills is busiest during winter months (December through February) when tourists from colder climates visit South Florida. It is also crowded on weekends year-round and during major holiday shopping periods like Black Friday, the week before Christmas, and back-to-school season.
Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, tend to be quieter. If you prefer a less crowded experience, visiting on a weekday morning will give you easier access to stores and shorter checkout lines. The mall draws many international shoppers, so you will hear multiple languages and see tour groups, particularly during peak season.
The mall can get very busy between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on any day, so plan accordingly. Bring comfortable shoes because the mall is large and you will do a lot of walking between the two main buildings.
Dining and other amenities
Sawgrass Mills has a food court with multiple quick-service options, including chains like Subway, Chick-fil-A, and others. There are also full-service restaurants in and around the mall, including chains like The Cheesecake Factory and Brio Tuscan Grille. You can take a break from shopping to eat without leaving the property.
The mall has restrooms throughout both buildings, ATMs, and customer service desks. There is a Regal Cinemas movie theater if you want to catch a film. Some stores offer personal shopping services or alterations, though these services may have a fee.
The mall is climate-controlled indoors, which is a major advantage in South Florida's heat and humidity. The outdoor sections are covered in some areas but not all, so check the weather before you go.
What to bring and how to plan your visit
Bring comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle or plan to buy drinks at the mall. The mall is large enough that you could easily spend three to five hours there if you visit multiple stores. Bring a credit card or cash — most stores accept both, though some may have minimums for cash purchases.
Consider bringing a small backpack or bag for purchases, or plan to use the store bags. If you are visiting during peak season, arrive early in the day to avoid crowds. Bring sunscreen if you will be walking through outdoor sections.
Check the mall's website or call ahead if you are looking for a specific store or brand, since store locations and hours can change. Some stores may have different hours than the main mall hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sawgrass Mills worth visiting if I do not live in Florida?
Yes, if you are visiting South Florida and enjoy shopping. The mall has a wide selection of outlet stores and brands, and prices are generally lower than full-price retail. Many tourists include it in their trip itinerary. However, if outlet shopping is not your priority, there are other attractions in the Miami and Fort Lauderdale area worth your time.
Can I return items I buy at Sawgrass Mills to a full-price store?
Return policies vary by brand and store. Some brands allow returns to any location, while others only accept returns at the outlet store where you made the purchase. Check the return policy before you buy, or ask the cashier. Keep your receipt and tags attached to items.
Are there hotels near Sawgrass Mills?
Yes, there are several hotels within a few miles of the mall, ranging from budget to mid-range chains. Sunrise and nearby areas have options like Best Western, La Quinta, and others. Booking a hotel near the mall makes sense if you plan to spend a full day shopping and want to avoid driving back and forth.
Do I need to pay to enter Sawgrass Mills?
No, entry to the mall is free. You only pay for items you purchase. Parking is also free. There are no admission fees or charges to walk around and browse.
What is the best time of year to visit for deals?
End-of-season sales (late August for summer items, late January for winter items) often have the deepest discounts. Black Friday and the week after Christmas also have significant sales. However, outlet prices are already lower than full-price retail, so any time you visit you will find lower prices than you would at a regular mall.