There is no shortage of cool shops and fun stores to take a look at around Washington, D.C., particularly in its small neighborhoods like Georgetown or Columbia Heights. That being said, when D.C.’s typically hot and humid weather kicks in around Summertime, spending some time in an air-conditioned mall or shopping center is one of the most underrated weekend plans to pass some time and pick up some new threads for the season.
The best part about Washington, D.C.’s shopping mall scene is that it’s so diverse that there’s something for everyone! Are you in the mood to check out a mall dedicated to more luxurious brands? No problem! Looking for a shopping center that is filled with budget-friendly stores? There are plenty of options!
Let’s get into it!
1. CityCenterDC – Penn Quarter
About as close to the dead center of the Washington, D.C. area, the CityCenterDC shopping center is complete with some of the most iconic and trendy brands from around the world. This outdoor shopping mall is dedicated to a more luxury-focused audience, so brands tend to run on the higher end of the price spectrum, which means, don’t be shocked if you go there with a limited budget and are let down by the fact that the selection is costly.
Where: 825 10th St NW, Washington, D.C.
Hours: Daily from 8 am to 11 pm
2. Union Station D.C. – Colombus Circle
While Union Station is more of a shopping center than a legitimate shopping mall, it still boasts some stores of the most recognizable brands with over 100 unique shops and services as well as a nice collection of spots to stop for a drink or bite to eat! This ‘mall’ is generally more budget-friendly, with brand names like Warby Parker and Uniqlo as a benchmark for high-quality goods at affordable prices, it’s unlikely the price will be a heavy factor when considering your purchases here!
Not to mention that Union Station houses Washington, D.C.’s only Raising Cane’s location!
Where: 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, D.C.
Hours: Open 24 hours for ticketed passengers, store hours will vary.
3. Gallery Place – Chinatown
Located right next to Capital One Arena, which is going to remain the home of the Capitals and the Wizards, and right above the Gallery Place/Chinatown metro station, is one of the premier shopping malls around the city! Gallery Place has plenty of options to fit the needs or desires of a wide range of potential shoppers and plenty of opportunities for entertainment at its bowling alley or movie theatre!
Where: 616 H Street Northwest, Washington D.C.
Hours: 6:00 am to 11:30 pm daily
4. Georgetown Park – Georgetown
This shopping mall is located right along the C&O Canal between Georgetown’s two busiest streets; M Street and Wisconsin Ave. The mixed-use space is over 327,000 square feet, complete with some of the most recognizable brands today including stores for H&M, Vuori, J. Crew, TJ Maxx, and more, making Georgetown Park one of the most budget-friendly shopping centers around the capital!
Where: 3222 M Street, NW Washington D.C.
Hours: Store hours vary.
5. DC USA – Columbia Heights
The biggest shopping mall in Washington, D.C., DC USA is home to many big-box stores offering household brands and local brands alike. These include stores like Marshalls, Best Buy, and Target to name a few!
Where: 3100 14th St NW, Washington, D.C.
Hours: 8:00 am to 11 pm daily.
6. Tysons Corner Center – Tysons, VA
Obviously, we had to include Tysons Corner, it’s one of the biggest shopping malls in the country and it’s just 13 miles from downtown Washington, D.C.! That being said, this is one of the best shopping malls in America for a reason! Tysons Corner has something for everyone and every occasion, including a diverse selection of stores, eateries, and services.
Where: 1961 Chain Bridge Rd, Tysons, VA
Hours: Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
7. Fashion Centre at Pentagon City – Arlington, VA
Just a few minutes from Washington, D.C., and accessible via metro is ‘Fashion Centre at Pentagon City‘, a spacious shopping mall in Arlington, Virginia. Another shopping center filled with something for everyone, from iconic brands like Levi’s and Lulu Lemon to fantastic food options, including fast-casual favorites like Chipotle to high-end options like Sante’.
Where: 1100 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA
Hours: Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
8. Tysons Galleria – Tysons, VA
Right next door to Tysons Corner Center is Tysons Galleria, another massive shopping mall just a short distance from Washington, D.C.! A bit more luxury-focused than its neighbor, this mall has a lot of high-end brands that often come with higher price tags, but several quality brands fall on the lower end of the price spectrum – like J. Crew, Indochino, and Vineyard Vines.
Where: 2001 International Dr, McLean, VA
Hours: Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.