The Mall Is Back: How Shopping Centers Are Turning Into Travel Hotspots

I'm a '90s kid, and that means I grew up with many cultural touchstones. I saw "Jurassic Park" seven times in theaters, my Saturday mornings were defined by "Batman" and "Animaniacs" cartoons, and when it came time to strike out for some independent fun as a teenager, there was one place I was heading: the mall.

Malls were everywhere in the '90s. I grew up between two of them, only 15 minutes apart (on the same bus line!), and spent countless hours hanging out at the arcade, seeing movies, reading at the bookstore, and eating at the food court. It was the center of my teenage social life.

Then, something changed. As online shopping rose in popularity, malls began closing. Many remain vacant or have been transformed into mixed-use complexes. Still, my love for them persists. Call it nostalgia, but there's just something so magical about these retail utopias.

The best malls in America aren't just about retail, though – they're entertainment destinations where you could easily spend a whole vacation. Here are six mall travel destinations I've visited over the years that I believe fit this mold. Who knows, they might even revive the Great American supermalls model.

1. Shop and Explore Menlo Park Mall in Edison, New Jersey

Being sandwiched between Woodbridge Center and Menlo Park Mall my whole life, it's been interesting to see the mall "life cycle" for these two. Menlo is still thriving, with a mostly full food court, two anchor stores, and a unique dine-in movie theater. Woodbridge has seen several anchor stores close and was recently sold, but it still has some buzzworthy spots, like an escape room and a Dave & Buster's arcade. But it's made me wonder – what makes a mall really thrive these days?

Among the amenities you can enjoy are ample parking, free Wi-Fi, and a full-service food court. Nearby, Edison offers a variety of hotels and restaurants if you plan to stay overnight.

2. Plan a Visit to Palisades Center in Nyack, New York

I got my first glimpse of the answer at Palisades Center in Nyack, a four-story mall about an hour outside of New York. One of the Empire State's biggest malls, it's still primarily a retail destination, though it's added a few unconventional options. The fourth floor is a thriving dining concourse with restaurants like hibachi, seafood boil, gourmet burger bars, and a high-end Japanese barbecue restaurant.

This floor also offers entertainment options such as escape rooms, arcades, and the world's largest indoor ropes course. The mall doesn't have a hotel next door, but the Hotel Nyack is less than two miles away if you want to extend your stay.

Note that the indoor ropes course is suitable for all ages, but a small admission fee is charged. To cater for visittors with all needs, Palisades Center is wheelchair-accessible throughout.

3. Experience Everything at Mall of America in Bloomington, MN

The legendary Mall of America was the first place to ignite my love for the "supermall." At one time, it was the largest mall in the U.S., featuring hundreds of stores. What really piqued my interest, though, was the collection of attractions: an indoor Nickelodeon-themed amusement park, a large aquarium that weaves through tunnels under the mall, and a massive LEGO store. There's even a virtual reality ride that sends you soaring over America.

The dining scene at the Mall of America ranges from high-end wine bars to a unique restaurant that serves fair food year-round. I didn't leave the mall until it was time for my flight home when I first visited; the Radisson Blu Mall of America, attached by an indoor bridge, was the perfect accommodation.

Dining ranges from fine wine bars to casual all-year-round fair food. General parking and Valet are available, but you'll need to reserve VR ride tickets earlier.

4. Explore West Edmonton Mall in Alberta, Canada

My wildest mall adventure to date was leaving the country for the first (and so far only) time to visit the West Edmonton Mall in Alberta, Canada. It's the largest mall in North America, and is owned by the same company as the Mall of America. Highlights include a massive indoor water park, an aquarium with a live sea lion show (mostly consisting of the sea lions being fed fish!), and an indoor go-kart rink. The decor is also super unique, with sculptures and a pirate ship in the central lagoon.

The dining was also the best I've experienced at any mall. My favorite spot was T & T Supermarket – a Vietnamese market and an independent food court offering dim sum, stir-fry, and more. There's even a dinner theater, Jubilations, on site. If you want to stay nearby, the Fantasyland Hotel is a great romantic getaway in the mall itself, which makes it convenient for a multi-day getaway. Concerning accessibility, elevators and ramps are available.

5. Syracuse’s Destiny USA Is a Travel Hotspot

When I traveled to Syracuse in April 2024 for the total solar eclipse, I got a chance to visit the largest mall in New York: Destiny USA. The team that built the Palisades Center turned this former Carousel Mall into an entertainment mecca – it's one of the best-designed malls in the U.S. Visit the wacky Wonderworks museum on the second floor or the most eye-catching feature on the property: a giant indoor ropes course over the mall's main atrium and are open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Destiny USA is also known for its fantastic brewpub scene – you can easily do a beer crawl without ever leaving. Plus, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse Destiny USA, located just across the street, has a convenient bridge to the mall.

6. Plan Your Visit to American Dream Mall, New Jersey

American Dream, the third mall by the team behind Mall of America and West Edmonton Mall, is now open in New Jersey after a decades-long development process. The final product is truly spectacular—an entertainment-forward property with unique attractions like the DreamWorks Water Park, the country's only indoor ski slope, and the first Hasbro-themed arcade. Its most distinctive feature is the Dream Wheel, a massive Ferris Wheel with views of the New York skyline.

American Dream's dining is of the highest caliber. Where else can you find a new restaurant by famous chef Marcus Samuelsson, a modern retro-chic diner, a pour-your-own wine bar, and the finest soup dumplings in the world under one roof? I was thankful I stayed at the Homewood Suites by Hilton East Rutherford so I could visit for more than one day.

All of these malls are perfect for surviving the harsh winters up north, but they're also great places to visit year-round. Luckily, I now live fairly close to them all – I don't have to travel to get my mall fix!

If you haven't visited your local mall recently, it might be time to pay a visit. If you're lucky enough to have one of these "supermalls" near you, gather some friends and go have some fun. While planning your day, check out Only In Your State's itinerary planner for dining, lodging, and sightseeing recommendations nearby.