With the Live-Action Movie Hitting Theaters, Here’s How You Can Get in on the Action
This summer, pink is definitely the new black! The new live-action “Barbie” film is set to premiere on July 21, and we seriously can’t wait. The highly anticipated film by Greta Gerwig has already generated a ton of buzz thanks to its legendary cast and enticing aesthetic, but the story itself looks like it’s going to be filled with plenty of satirical twists and turns. When entering the “real world,” Barbie lands in none other than Los Angeles. We’ve rounded up the best things to eat, do and drink to live a real-life Barbie daydream in LA this summer. Come on Barbie, let’s go party!
Stay: The Beverly Hills Hotel
The historic pink and green Beverly Hills Hotel provides the ultimate backdrop for the Barbie-inspired weekend of your dreams. The details at this Dorchester Collection property include vintage photographs, pink furniture and, of course, the iconic palm-leaf wallpaper. Plus, no stay would be complete without a color-coordinated Instagram post in front of the Beverly Hills Hotel sign. The chic Dioriviera pop-up has also turned the pool area into a design-lover’s dream by covering every lounge chair and umbrella in a light pink, customized Dior print. The pop-up is set to run through the summer, so there’s no better place to lounge with a glass of rosé in hand. Simply walking around the property feels like exploring your own adult Barbie Land playground. All you need is her pink convertible to match!
Do: World of Barbie
Head to Santa Monica and step into the glamorous World of Barbie. This interactive exhibit encourages you to channel your inner Beach Barbie as you relax in her full-size camper van or embody your inner pop star while you record your own version of “Barbie Girl” in the music studio. You can also fulfill your childhood wish of walking around a life-size Barbie Dreamhouse, which will definitely have you wanting to renovate your own home with every shade of pink possible. Visiting World of Barbie is a family-friendly activity, and you can easily reserve tickets ahead of time. The pop-up is expected to run until September; children under 13 can attend for $31.50 while adult tickets start at $40.50.
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Do: Sips After Sunset at World of Barbie
Though World of Barbie welcomes guests of all ages, Sips After Sunset is an adults-only event that features a happening dance floor with themed cocktails to match. Explore the World of Barbie after hours as you show off your best Barbiecore fit while mixing and mingling for two hours. The signature Pink Drink cocktail is made with tequila, lime juice, triple sec and pink grapefruit juice, while the Malibu Sunset is a fruity blend of vodka, pineapple and cranberry juice. Bubbles and wine are also available to order if that’s more your vibe.
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Dine: Wabi on Rose
The plush pink booths and floral-filled walls at Wabi on Rose make this sushi hotspot one the best restaurants for a Barbie-inspired date night. This Venice sushi spot prioritizes “pretty” in everything from the inventive rolls to the creative cocktails. The Rick James roll provides the perfect amount of heat while the refreshing (and pink) Lychee on Rose cocktail cools you off. Other menu highlights include the spicy tuna on crispy rice, fresh oysters with lilikoi mignonette and the Rain’s sashimi garden, which is plated beautifully and adorned with fresh flowers.
Watch: “Barbie” In Theaters
Grab the popcorn and candy and gear up for the movie event of the summer. Starting July 21, Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” will be screening at theaters all across the city, and you’ll definitely want to be first in line. Consider enjoying a more upscale movie-viewing experience by watching at iPic or Alamo Drafthouse Cinema to enjoy elevated snacks and a full bar while you watch Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling steal your hearts as Barbie and Ken.
Brunch: The Polo Lounge
Spend your morning enjoying an elevated brunch on the vibrant patio at the legendary Polo Lounge. With a history of hosting Hollywood’s most elite players like Charlie Chaplin and Fred Astaire, The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel immerses guests in the Golden Age of Hollywood. Snag a pink and palm leaf-printed booth before embarking on a boozy brunch of pink sangria and lemon ricotta pancakes (Barbie-approved). The $105 brunch may seem pretty steep, but the transportive atmosphere, rich history and quality cuisine make the experience well worth it.
Do: Check Out the Real-Life Barbie Dream House in Santa Monica
Childhood dreams come to life at this stunning Santa Monica mansion boasting pink interiors, extravagant decor and a panoramic ocean view. With a bright pink and purple exterior, you can’t miss this real-life, beachfront Barbie dream house. Stroll by and imagine how Barbie is really spending her day in the sunshine! The address is 1341 Palisades Beach Rd in Santa Monica.
Do: Rollerblade Down the Venice Boardwalk
Credit: @vchampayne
Take a page straight out of the movie and head to the Venice boardwalk for some rollerblading. Even if you’re not sporting your brightest and best workout fit from the ‘80s, this timeless activity never gets old. Plus, it’s a great way to move your body by the beach! If you don’t have your own pair of rollerblades on hand, simply stop by Ray’s Rentals or Boardwalk Skate and Surf to rent a pair for the day and find your stride and glide. Let’s go, girls!
Do: Rent a Convertible and Drive PCH
Ever wanted to have a true Malibu Barbie moment? Though you can easily hit the coast for a Barbie-esque beach day, take things up a notch by renting a convertible from Midway Car Rental in Santa Monica and cruising down the PCH. Soak up the summer sun while the wind blows in your hair, and don’t forget your favorite pair of sunnies. From the million-dollar beach homes to the crystal clear waves, coast down the legendary highway as you pass Malibu staples like Nobu and the pier. Don’t forget to make a cliffside pit stop for pictures.
Dine: Cobi’s
Cobi’s is a Michelin-recognized spot in Santa Monica that serves up quality cuisine with a feminine and floral atmosphere to match. Upon entering Cobi’s, guests are greeted with a stunning ceiling of hanging roses. Though the plant-covered and beachy patio is great for a summer spritz, the pink and vintage-inspired dining room is where you’ll want to have your meal. If you’re visiting with a big group, order the pretty and pink chai hibiscus punch bowl, which serves eight to 10 people, before enjoying bites like the coconut kanpachi crudo and the chili crunch pork dumplings.
Watch: “Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge” on HGTV
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Need a night of face masks and fun at home (or at your hotel)? Tune into the “Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge” on HGTV while wearing your favorite silky PJs. This creative new series launches on July 16 and is sure to be a hit for professional renovators and house-flippers at heart. The show will be hosted by supermodel Ashley Graham, while Jonathan Adler and Tiffany Brooks serve as the main judges alongside a slew of celebrity guests. “Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge” will air at 5 p.m. PT every Sunday.
Matcha: Cha Cha Matcha
Dance on over to Cha Cha Matcha to enjoy a picture-perfect backdrop while getting your caffeine boost. This pink and green matcha shop has locations in Venice and WeHo, and both are beyond Instagram-worthy. However, the plant-filled patio with pink umbrellas in WeHo is Barbie’s dream matcha-sipping spot come true. If you want to stick with the theme, order the strawberry matcha for a pink and green concoction that is just as tasty as it looks. There are also plenty of vegan bites to enjoy like avocado toast and freshly baked chocochip cookies.
Shop: Love Shack Fancy
Create your dream Barbie wardrobe by shopping at Love Shack Fancy. Located on Melrose Place, Love Shack Fancy is known for its pink, floral and hyper-feminine aesthetic. The quality of the fabric and attention to detail ensure that each piece you buy is a true investment. The shop itself is just as enticing as the clothes, and everything from the pink curtains to the crystal chandeliers to the floral furniture creates an elevated ambiance that’s worthy of a fashionista like Barbie.
Do: Get Your Tan on at the Pendry WeHo Rooftop
No Barbie-inspired weekend would be complete without some fun in the sun. Enjoy epic city views as you lounge in a coral pink lounge chair under a turquoise umbrella at the Pendry’s rooftop pool. This pink and blue rooftop screams Barbie while bar service allows you to get boozy (within reason, of course). Take a dip in the crystal clear pool while enjoying the views, or kick back with your favorite novel and a glass of rosé as you show off your newest summer suit.
Allie Lebos graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2017 with a BA in Communication. While in school she was a staff writer at The Daily Nexus for nearly two years. Since graduating she has written for The Palisades Magazine, as well as Hidden Hills Magazine. Currently living in Santa Monica, Allie loves to indulge in good food, hot yoga, and daily walks along the beach; writing articles on travel, special events, as well as features on local businesses and individuals.
