St. Louis’s top malls are more than the sum of their stores. They are palaces of diversion, offering shopping, dining and entertainment options for everyone. These malls offer a cozy spot to dish with a friend over lunch or enjoy some time alone with your thoughts while you browse the latest trends. On a Friday night you might have dinner and a movie with the love of your life and on Saturday afternoon the kids might encounter the Easter Bunny or perch on Santa’s lap.

The Mills
5555 St. Louis Mills Blvd.
Hazelwood, MO 63042
(314) 227-5900
www.simon.com

Hours: Mon to Sat – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Click here for a calendar of events, here for current bargains and coupons

The Mills is tops in three categories: entertainment, outlet stores and the best mall for men. The Banana Republic Factory Store, Old Navy Outlet, Tommy Hilfiger Company Store, Nike Factory Store and the Gap Outlet are all located here. The Mills also boasts St. Louis’s only The Children’s Place Outlet and the only Cabela’s in Missouri. The Cabela’s, NASCAR Speedpark, and IceZone Hockey Center make this mall a favorite for men and boys. A dozen anchor stores and over 160 specialty stores, restaurants and entertainment options make The Mills an important St. Louis lifestyle and shopping hub.

West County Center
80 West County Center
Des Peres, MO 63131
(314) 288-2020
www.ShopWestCountyCenter.com

Hours: Mon to Sat – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Click here for a calendar of events, here for current bargains and coupons

West County has the trendiest stores, and a cute play area for the kids. The XXI Forever store attracts with-it shoppers and fashionistas while the new Charming Charlie is gaining a following as well.  Apple,  Barnes & Noble, Macy’s, Naartjie Kids, Nordstrom & Sephora round out the offerings. To round out your day, catch a movie or dine at one of the many great options at the West County Center. Restaurants in this des Peres location include Elephant Bar, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant and Bravo! Cucina Italiana.

Chesterfield Mall
291 Chesterfield Mall
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(636) 532-0777
www.Chesterfield-Mall.com

Hours: Mon to Sat – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Click here for a calendar of events, here for current bargains and coupons

The venerable Chesterfield Mall is St. Louis’s most classic mall in the area. Shoppers can browse Dillard’s, Macy’s, Pottery Barn, Sephora and Williams-Sonoma stores, but the American Girl store is the newest kid on the block. The AMC Theater serves up movies on 14 screens. Hungry shoppers can dine at California Pizza Kitchen, Cheesecake Factory or Cheeburger Cheeburger. Don’t miss the massive Awakening sculpture outside the mall — a giant who has just regained consciousness and is emerging from the earth.

Related: Top Bargain Hunting In St. Louis

Saint Louis Galleria
1155 Saint Louis Galleria
St. Louis, MO 63117
(314) 863-5500
www.saintlouisgalleria.com

Hours: Mon to Sat – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Click here for sales and events

Saint Louis Galleries is the most well-rounded mall in the Lou. The Galleria is anchored by a clean and comfy six-screen cinema, a new Nordstrom’s and a Macy’s. Specialty stores abound:  Anthropogie, Apple, Lush Cosmetics, H&M. Kiosks feature the latest gizmos and gadgetry. Build-A-Bear Workshop and the Disney Store cater to the kiddies, and the Cheesecake Factory and much-anticipated BlackFinn American Grille attract foodies from all over the Metro area.
Related: Top Thrift Stores In St. Louis 

Plaza Frontenac
1701 South Lindbergh Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63131
(314) 432-0604
www.plazafrontenac.com

Hours: Mon to Fri – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sun – 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Click here for sales and events

Frontenac is St. Louis’s premiere luxury shopping destination. This is a place to see and be seen while browsing shops like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co, and Coach. The anchor stores are Nieman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. The chairs are leather, the floors are harwood, and the movie theater offers independent films. Just as important, Frontenac offers the best parking of any mall in the city. There’s always a space for your car here, even underground in inclement weather. Dining options include Cardwell’s at the Plaza and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar — not the usual food court fare.

Lauren Haas is a writer who specializes in finding the fun! Lauren was the publisher of the St. Louis Area Family Gazette for eight years, and now writes freelance articles on St. Louis events and attractions, budget travel, arts and entertainment and fitness topics. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.