These 2 Texas malls were named among the best in the US. Have you shopped at one?

Does anyone still go to malls nowadays?

As comfortable places to spend time no matter the weather, indoor malls have traditionally been favored destinations for shoppers. Once inside, shoppers can pick up essentials, hang out with friends or family, discover new and compelling products, or just enjoy a day out.

Like most community establishments, shopping malls have seen fluctuations in popularity in recent years. As online sales become increasingly prevalent, retailers are no longer required to cover the costs of renting space in brick-and-mortar locations. This has done significant damage to shopping centers’ revenues.

Between 2017 and 2022, an average of 1,170 U.S. shopping malls closed each year, according to Capital One. No new indoor megamalls have been built in nearly 20 years. In 1986 the country had around 25,000 large and small malls, but there were as few as 800 large malls left in 2022. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the nationwide mall vacancy rate was 248% higher than the overall average retail vacancy rate. Projections suggest that up to 87% of large shopping malls may close in the next decade.

Despite these grim statistics, there are still plenty of thriving malls. As part of USA TODAY’s 10BEST annual rankings, the network selected and ranked the top 10 shopping malls in the country. The winners were chosen by USA TODAY readers, from a list nominated by 10BEST editors and a panel of experts.

“With diverse selections of stores to choose from, tantalizing restaurants in the food court, inspired entertainment options, and special events and seasonal activities that bring their local communities together, shopping malls are vibrant hubs that offer plenty to enjoy,” USA TODAY’s 10BEST said in the ranking released June 11.

The list brings good news for mall-loving Texans: The Lone Star State had not one but two shopping malls on USA TODAY’s list. Have you visited either?

2 North Texas malls among best in US

If you’re in the Dallas area, you can easily shop at two of the country’s best malls. A 20-minute drive is all that separates them.

Grapevine Mills in Grapevine

Grapevine Mills came in at no. 8 on USA TODAY’s 2025 list. Here’s what the company had to say:

Grapevine Mills in Texas is no mere shopping mall. This Texas-sized attraction includes a SEA LIFE aquarium, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Peppa Pig’s Land of Play and Rainforest Cafe. After-hours entertainment includes The Escape Room, a gaming bistro, a bowling alley and a dine-in AMC-30. Shopping experiences at Grapevine Mills are geared towards popular brands, as well as upscale outlet options such as Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks OFF 5TH, and Coach Outlet.

Galleria Dallas in Dallas

Ranking just under the iconic Mall of America as the third-best in the U.S. is Galleria Dallas, in Dallas proper. Galleria Dallas ties with American Dream Meadowlands — which holds the no. 7 spot on the list — as the second-largest mall in the country. Here’s what USA TODAY said about the massive shopping center:

Galleria Dallas is a traditional mall with a twist: it contains an indoor ice rink. With a variety of retail stores selling children’s goods, jewelry, shoes, and tech, this shopping destination has something for everyone. For the best selection of souvenirs, head to Texas Treasures or the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop. Dining options at the Galleria include more than 30 casual and sit-down restaurants. The large indoor ice rink is at the center of this three-story mall, and while it stays open year-round, it’s especially festive during the holiday season.

LIST: 10 best malls in the US

Believe it or not, the biggest mall in the U.S. was not deemed the best by USA TODAY’s 10BEST. That honor goes to Aventura Mall, which is the biggest in Florida.

Texas and — big surprise — New York each had two malls on the 2025 list. The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards and Brookfield Place are both in New York City. Like the Dallas area malls, the NYC malls are just a 20-minute drive apart — or a 30-minute trip using public transit.

Some of the top-ranked malls also share owners. Simon Property group owns King of Prussia (no. 5) and Grapevine Mills (no. 8), while Macerich owns Scottsdale Fashion Square (no. 6) and Tysons Corner Center (no. 9).

— USA TODAY’s C. A. Bridges contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Where are the best malls in America? 2 are in North Texas