Best Shopping Malls In The Pittsburgh Area

Pittsburgh is a shopping town with nearly two dozen malls located within an hour of downtown. Whether you're looking for great deals, a family-friendly shopping trip or a relaxing stroll through an outdoor shopping center, you'll be sure to find it in Pittsburgh. Sometimes, however, having so many options can make it difficult to figure out exactly where to hit the stores. Weed through the best of Pittsburgh's malls and get ready to shop 'til you drop at these top five.

For Shoppers With Kids: The Mall at Robinson
100 Robinson Centre Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
(412) 788-0816
www.shoprobinsonmall.com

Hours: Mon to Thurs – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri to Sat – 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sun – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

With stores like Build-A-Bear Workshop, 77 kids and Justice, no other mall tops The Mall at Robinson for a kid-friendly shopping experience. A lower-level play area, ACE's Breakaway and Play arcade and Giggles & Smiles provide entertaining activities for kids of all ages. Even the food court caters to children with its pint-sized table and chairs. Parents will love the free membership to The Mall at Robinson Kids Club that provides shows and crafts for its members through age 12. Strollers are available from guest services for a small rental fee.

For Bargain Hunters: Tanger Outlets
2200 Tanger Blvd.
Washington, PA 15301
(724) 225-8435
www.tangeroutlet.com/washington

Hours: Mon to Sat – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Situated on a hillside overlooking The Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Tanger Outlet in Washington is a refreshing alternative for those looking to venture outside the city for some open-air bargain hunting. Stroll beneath partially-covered corridors and admire the bronze race horse statues, blossoming spring flowers and hard-to-beat prices. More than 75 brand name outlet shops, including Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5^th, Coach Factory and Banana Republic Factory Store line the walkways of this charming outlet center with its quaint architecture reminiscent of an Atlantic seaside boardwalk. Specialty stores like Hometowne Sports and Direct Tools offer savings of 20-40 percent off retail prices that you won't find at any indoor mall.

For Foodies: Ross Park Mall
1000 Ross Park Mall Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
(412) 369-4401
www.simon.com

Hours: Mon to Sat – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If you consider eating to be as much of a sensory experience as shopping, then look no further than the food court at Ross Park Mall. Whether you're looking for the best in typical mall food, like a slice of Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen pizza or a Five Guys hamburger, or you prefer a quick meal of comfort foods like meat loaf from Farmtown Market, there's a flavor for all to savor at this food court. If a sit-down meal is more your style, try California Pizza Kitchen where you can gorge on more than 30 unique pizzas, but be sure to save room for dessert. The Cheesecake Factory offers 50 luscious varieties of cheesecake and desserts that are nearly impossible to turn away.

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For Expeditious Shoppers: Beaver Valley Mall
570 Beaver Valley Mall
Monaca, PA 15061
(724) 774-5573
www.shopbeavervalley.com

Hours: Mon to Sat – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

While Beaver Valley Mall may have a bit of a reputation for being dated and lifeless, the smaller crowds this mall draws results in some of the best mall parking in the area. Lots are well patrolled by mall security vehicles making Beaver Valley Mall one of the safer malls to shop. With 4,400 parking spaces, there's always an available spot. Park near Macy's or Boscov's and you won't have to truck too far to reach the 84 stores and 14 eateries that include Journeys, Dick's Sporting Goods, El Campo, JCPenney, and Crown Dollar Store Plus.

For Label Lovers: Grove City Premium Outlets
1911 Leesburg Grove City Road
Grove City, PA 16127
(724) 748-4770
www.premiumoutlets.com

Hours: Mon to Sat – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Want the best prices, abundant selection, and significant savings on top-notch brands? Then head north of Pittsburgh to Grove City Premium Outlets where you'll find the most savings on your favorite brands, including Coach, Longaberger and Nautica. Many stores also offer regular in-store promotions for even more deals. Shoppers over 50 will especially love the 50 Plus Shopper Perks that saves an additional 10% on Tuesdays.

Related: Best Fashion Accessories & Jewelry Shops in Pittsburgh

Jessica Wasik lives in Pittsburgh where works as a full-time figure skating coach sharing her passion with todays generation of young skaters. A graduate of Robert Morris University with a degree in English Studies, Jessica is also a contributing writer for Allegheny West Magazine. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.