Barbie in California: a journey through the iconic and pink places
between Palm Springs and San Diego
Let’s celebrate the world of Barbie! The film dedicated to the iconic doll is having an overwhelming success!
In addition to having conquered the catwalks, red carpets and interior furnishings around the world, it is also experiencing a boom in the travel sector. Here’s a list of Californian destinations where you can have your Barbie moment this summer.
Greater Palm Springs
In the Californian tourist oasis there is no shortage of Barbies, whether they are all-pink hotels or real Barbie exhibitions! For those looking for an ultra-pink place to stay, Les Cactus and Sands Hotel & Spa offer beautiful pink exteriors for a stay inspired by the iconic doll. At the Sands, be sure to dine at the Pink Cabana, designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard.
For anyone looking for a new place to visit, the Trixie Motel is a must. Designed by legendary drag queen Trixie Mattel and featured on a series of HGTV, this newly renovated property is an ode to Trixie’s style – vibrant and, of course, extremely pink! Finally, the Saguaro Hotel is not only an iconic place for its colorful exterior, it also features a quirky Barbie showcase in the lobby.
A hint of pink has also sprouted in the desert. From examples of pink modernism like the Pink Palace and Valentine Palm Springs, to the pink color of Mount San Jacinto at dawn and Bella da Ball’s hair. For even more Palm Springs Barbie inspiration, check out @tinypalmsprings on Instagram, which is a curated collection of Barbie dolls inspired by life in the destination.
San Diego
The bustling waterfront city of San Diego in Southern California is an oasis of beauty for Barbie lovers. With picturesque backdrops like the monochromatic pink wall at Pigment or the pastel pink and floral mural outside Native Poppy, the city is full of perfect spots for a Barbie-inspired photo.
For Barbie lovers looking to relax and unwind, the luxurious La Valencia Hotel, known as The Pink Lady of La Jolla, offers a vintage pink exterior with romantic courtyards, stunning ocean views and a tribute to the timeless elegance of the 1920s. Request a visit from the Cocktail Butler, who will serve you the typical “Pink Lady” drink of La Valencia.
There are many pink restaurants, including the Pink Rose Cafe, adorned with pink coffee, tea, and lemonade, and papered pink walls and chairs, flowers, and even Barbie prints in the bathroom. Also not to be missed is Holy Matcha for a pink and green latte or Cloak + Petal for sushi.
Los Angeles
There is no shortage of Barbie experiences in and around the city of Los Angeles. For perfectly pink accommodation, try the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills or The Langham in Pasadena, both legendary and luxurious establishments. The Langham offers the iconic pink macarons and has a pink cab out front, both perfect for pictures!
As for restaurants, you can choose from a variety of options throughout the city. From the iconic Pink’s Hot Dogs in Hollywood to Pink & Boujee Tacos in downtown Los Angeles. There’s also the super cute and pink Cobi’s in Santa Monica, The Hideaway in Beverly Hills and the Rose & Blanc Tea Room in Koreatown. And don’t forget Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts or Milk Bar Cake Shop to satisfy your sweet tooth.
While in Los Angeles, be sure to stroll the Huntington’s Summer Rose Gardens, snap a photo of the Pink Wall at the Paul Smith store on Melrose Avenue, skate like Barbie and Ken in Venice by renting Perry’s Cafe & Beach Rentals, and check out World of Barbie (tickets extended through September 4th!).
Santa Barbara
The American Riviera is the perfect place for Barbie fanatics. In addition to the Barbie lifestyle, spent lounging on the beach or shopping on State Street, visitors can visit Lotusland, one of the world’s premier gardens, featuring more than 3,000 plants from around the world. Within the grounds is a stunning pink Mediterranean estate, Cuesta Linda.
When it’s time to eat, don’t miss the renowned Andersen’s Bakery, a family-owned bakery that’s been in Santa Barbara for over 40 years, with pink interior walls and black-and-white checkered floors, perfect for a girls’ brunch or high tea. The Harbor View Inn is a beach hotel with a pool perfect for every Barbie. For more colorful moments to capture on Instagram, visit the Santa Barbara Chromatic Gate, the County Courthouse and the Lobero Building.
San Luis Obispo County
Located in the hills of San Luis Obispo, the Madonna Inn is known for its exuberant decor and 110 elaborately themed rooms. True Barbie fanatics can experience Fashion Fairytale moments in the fairytale Old Mill Room, while “Show ‘n Ride Equestrian” Barbies can ride a carousel steed in the Pony Room. While all of the themed rooms offer photo opportunities, it’s room 218 that represents the peak of Barbiecore. Nicknamed the “Carin” room as a Swiss expression for “tenderness”, this charming room is decorated with bright pink walls, two private balconies and lovebirds nestling on the tiled shower.
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