8 sprawling malls in Arizona offering retail therapy & dining

Spending the day at one of these seven sprawling malls in Arizona is the definition of retail therapy. 

Arizona is not just known for its stunning desert landscapes and breathtaking sunsets; it’s also a shopper’s paradise. From Phoenix and Tucson to Flagstaff and Sedona, the Grand Canyon State offers myriad stores where shopaholics and casual browsers alike can indulge in a little retail therapy. 

But these sprawling complexes aren’t just about shopping; they’re also vibrant hubs of entertainment and dining, offering everything from high-end fashion and quirky boutiques to fine-dining restaurants and family-friendly eateries. No matter which corner of the state you’re in, there’s a mall nearby offering a little something for everybody. 

Scottsdale Fashion Square, Scottsdale

Number of shops: 240

The biggest mall in the Phoenix area (and the state!) resides on Camelback Road in Scottsdale and boasts more than 240 shops and restaurants spread over 1.9 million square feet of space. Honestly, if you can’t find it at Scottsdale Fashion Square, then it probably doesn’t exist. Its collection includes 50 of the world’s finest luxury and contemporary brands, making it Arizona’s leader in upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment. The shopping center is currently undergoing a multi-phased renovation that will introduce a technology wing, such renowned food concepts as Nobu, and new retailers including Dior, Versace, Christian Louboutin, Saint Laurent, Marc Jacobs, Hublot, and Balenciaga.

Tucson Mall, Tucson

Number of shops: 170

As the largest shopping mall in Tucson, Tucson Mall houses 170 stores throughout two levels of indoor shopping. It has grown and changed quite a bit since 1982 and is now anchored by Dillard’s, Forever 21, J.C. Penney, Macy’s, and Old Navy — plus there’s a food court. Notable restaurants include an In-N-Out Burger, The Cheesecake Factory, and Boba Tea Company. Looking to beat the heat and do a little mall walking? While there is no formal program, the mall opens approximately one hour before the tenants open for business, so that’s a great time to get your steps in.

Biltmore Fashion Park, Phoenix

Number of shops: 60

Whether or not you’re in the mood to shop, Biltmore Fashion Park is such a great place to walk around — even in the summer, thanks to the robust misting system. Its lush greenery and gardens combined with relaxing fountains makes it the perfect place to take a stroll with your family (your pup included!). It’s surrounded by 60 specialty shops and restaurants, including Anthropologie, Saks Fifth Avenue, lululemon, Ralph Lauren, and J.Crew. Dining options include The Capital Grille, True Food Kitchen, Pomo Pizza, Seasons 52, and Blanco Cocina + Cantina. Biltmore is also home to a Diamond-Level Life Time Athletica, featuring plenty of programming in a resort-like atmosphere with a rooftop beach club and killer views of Camelback Mountain.

La Encantada, Tucson 

Number of shops: 59

Wondering where all the Tucson fashionistas shop? At open-air La Encantada, known as southern Arizona’s most exclusive shopping and dining destination. It’s nestled into the Santa Catalina Mountains foothills and is the city’s premier center for stores like Athleta, Anthropologie, Coach, Crate & Barrel, Free People, Kendra Scott, Swarovski, Tiffany & Co, West Elm and Williams Sonoma. It’s also a great spot to meet for a drink or a meal at North Italia, Ra Sushi, True Food Kitchen, or Blanco — or do a little gourmet grocery shopping at AJ’s. Plus, they host cool events here too, like art classes and yoga/meditation workshops. 

Pine Ridge Marketplace, Prescott 

Number of shops: 53

One of the state’s most recent mall transformations has taken place in Prescott: The Prescott Gateway Mall, which was built in 2002, completed a $2.5 million renovation and reopened as the 600,000 square-foot Pine Ridge Marketplace in January 2024. Prescott’s premiere shopping center now features a growing collection of retailers, restaurants, eateries, and entertainment venues. In addition to a growing list of retailers — it has recently welcomed Prescott Fine Art (with a certified Bob Ross instructor) and Moussetache Café; Club Pilates is set to open at the end of the summer — the marketplace will continue to host a variety of recreational events including car shows, farmers markets and holiday events throughout the year.

Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, Sedona 

Number of shops: 50

No visit to Sedona is complete without spending some time perusing the shops at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village (pronounced T-la-keh-pah-keh and means “the best of everything”), located on Hwy 179. It’s grown quite a bit since it first opened in 1970, to a collection of 50 galleries, shops, and restaurants — but still resembles a traditional Mexican village, with vine-covered stucco walls, cobble-stoned walkways, and arched entryways for Instagram-worthy photo ops. Shop for Western art, bronze sculptures, ceramics, blown glass, contemporary and Southwestern fine art paintings, weavings, large format photography, fine and contemporary jewelry, and designer casual wear in silks and leathers. And don’t overlook some of the great eateries, including Rene Restaurant & Wine Bar, Secret Garden Café, and homemade fudge at How Sweet It Is. 

Flagstaff Mall, Flagstaff

Number of shops: 50

Just because it’s a mountain town doesn’t mean Flagstaff is short on shopping — the Flagstaff Mall is an enclosed center for year-round shopping comfort. You’ll find 50 stores, including Dillard’s, JCPenney, Hobby Lobby, Planet Fitness, Bath & Body Works, Buckle, Foot Locker, Barnes & Noble, Rack Room Shoes, and some locally owned shops, too. Check out the robust calendar of special events (think: blood drives, kids craft classes, and pet adoption events), and be sure to stop for a bite to eat at the quick-serve specialty eateries in the Food Court. 


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Author

  • Jill Schildhouse is a native Phoenician and award-winning lifestyle writer and editor who regularly contributes to such publications as Reader’s Digest, AARP, U.S. News & World Report, Taste of Home, and Southern Living. Jill has visited 43 countries and is always planning her next adventure.

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