Shopping outlets and megamalls in the Northeast 

The New York metro area gives the term shopping around new meaning — out-of-the-box malls and ever-expanding outlet centers are only a few hours away from Long Island by car.

Surrounded by sites and scenery worth visiting, the following four destinations make the drive the perfect excuse for turning a day on the checkout line into a day trip to check out.

OUTLETS

Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

498 Red Apple Ct., Central Valley, New York

DRIVING TIME FROM LI About an hour and 45 minutes

The luxury-brand roster of 70 at New York’s Woodbury Common Premium Outlets recently grew with the addition of Stella McCartney. The label joins Prada, Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Givenchy, Moncler and others at just-north-of-the-city complex.

Shannon McSweeney, director of marketing and business development at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, describes her property as "truly a world-class shopping destination."

"With over 250 of the world’s most beloved fashion brands, including more than 70 luxury outlets, our guests are drawn not only to the incredible savings but the unparalleled retail experience we offer, just an hour from New York City," says McSweeney by email. "Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, a global traveler or planning a day trip, it's a must-visit experience for both international tourists and local day-trippers alike."

There are more than 250 stores overall at the outdoor outlet, according to the website. Look for fashion from True Religion to The North Face, home goods from Le Creuset to Frette, and shoes and accessories from Jimmy Choo to Tory Burch.

There are plenty of cheap eats among the center’s nearly 30 eateries with old reliables such as Shake Shack and McDonald’s, according to the website. But you can also get Bareburger, Chipotle or Kinton Ramen. If you’re in the mood for caviar, stop by the Bollicine & Co. Champagne Bar; for craft cider, plan on Black Dirt Bourbon Barn.

• PARKING Free; up front paid parking is $10
• MORE INFO 845-928-4000, premiumoutlets.com

• WHILE IN THE AREA Hike Bear Mountain State Park, relive Woodstock at the museum at Bethel Woods, do a tasting at the Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery.

Clinton Premium Outlets

20 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton, Connecticut

DRIVING TIME FROM LI About two hours and 15 minutes 

You can shop while taking in views at Connecticut’s Clinton Premium Outlets, which overlooks Long Island Sound.

"Nestled along the Connecticut Shoreline, Clinton Premium Outlets offers an open-air setting that feels like a charming outdoor village, complete with sought-after brands at outlet prices," says Emma Nelson, the outlet’s director of marketing and business development.

The center is "is conveniently located off I-95, where you can take a break, enjoy the fresh coastal air and find great deals at up to 65% off everyday designer prices," she says.

There are more than 70 stores at the outlet, according to the website. On the luxury end, look for Boss and Saks Fifth Avenue, says the website. Vineyard Vines, Crocs, Calvin Klein and Coach are just some of the other names with outlet stores at the location.

Shops carry clothing and other items for women, men and children, as well as shoes and accessories.

There are four places for grub, according to the website, including Cafe Au Lait, Jack’s Hot Dogs, Red Wagon Popcorn and Treats and Snack Shack. It’s not unusual for food trucks to make appearances, according to the website.

• PARKING Free; up front paid parking is $10
• INFO 860-664-0700, premiumoutlets.com/outlet/clinton
• WHILE IN THE AREA Visit Mystic Aquarium and Seaport, hop on the Essex Steam Train, browse the Clinton Antique Center.

MEGAMALLS

American Dream

1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, New Jersey

DRIVING TIME FROM LI About two hours

You can shop till you drop at New Jersey’s American Dream. And you can literally drop — sliding down water slides, going down ski slopes and plunging down thrill rides, all within the confines of the 3-million-square-foot complex.

That’s because the mall is also home to Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, DreamWorks Water Park and Big Snow American Dream, among other attractions that together can draw "stadium-sized crowds" on weekends, says Gregg Schwartz, mall spokesman. There’s the newly opened Sesame Street Learn and Play and the live Great Big Game Show and the soon-to-be opened Ninja Kidz Action Park, Bam Kazam’s out-of-the-box arcade, and the simulator Topgolf, he says.

It should come as no surprise that passes of various kinds are available Disney style, from ones you can buy for the day to others you can purchase by the season.

The other half of American Dream’s allure is its shopping and dining, he says.

More than 250 retailers are open for business at the mall. One highlight is The Avenue, with 20 designer stores, including Gucci, Balenciaga, and Hermès. Some of the only-in-New-Jersey shops there and elsewhere at American Dream include Alexander Wang, Urban Planet, and The Gentle Monster, Schwartz says, adding that there are 65 places to eat.

• PARKING $5 per vehicle; valet parking, $10 per vehicle Saturdays, Sunday and holidays at The Avenue of luxury shops
• MORE INFO 833-263-7326, americandream.com
• WHILE IN THE AREA Take in the views at Liberty State Park, watch a race at Meadowlands Racetrack or attend a concert at MetLife Stadium.

King of Prussia Mall

160 N. Gulph Rd., King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

DRIVING TIME FROM LI About three hours

Pennsylvania’s King of Prussia Mall outside Philadelphia is about to get the spotlight for the 2025 opening of Netflix House, an immersive experience featuring the streaming giant’s movies and TV shows. The 2.9-million-square-foot mall will be one of only two locations in the country (the other is Dallas). "We expect it to be a fully interactive experience," says Todd Putt, the mall’s director of marketing.

For young children, the mall houses CAMP, which opened in December with an experience where visitors can "be part of a whole ‘Bluey’ episode," says Putt, referring to the wildly popular Australian cartoon. Families buy tickets to explore a colorful interior replica of Bluey’s home, playing games with "CAMP counselors" and, at the end, get to meet Bluey and Bingo, according to the website for the national "shop/play" chain.

There are more than 450 stores at the mall. "We have something for everyone ... at all price points and all budgets," says Putt, from Louis Vuitton and Tiffany and Co. to Banana Republic and H&M.

In the fall, Eataly will join a roster of more than 50 eateries, says Putt. "There are 15 full-service restaurants and a wide variety of snack and drink shops," along with a distillery tasting room, he adds.

• PARKING Free
• MORE INFO 610-265-5727, simon.com/mall/king-of-prussia
• WHILE IN THE AREA Visit Valley Forge National Historical Park, tour Longwood Gardens, climb the 72 steps to the Philadelphia Museum of Art made famous in the 1976 film "Rocky" (and while there make sure to stop at the Parkway Visitor Center and Rocky Shop).