Global Media Coverage Shows Travelers How to Have a Barbie-themed Vacation in California

With the release of the Barbie moving casting a bit of a pink glow — reminiscent of our famous sunsets — over the state, Visit California seized the opportunity to partner with global media on Barbiecore-themed press trips.

The Barbiecore aesthetic describes the colorful, campy, and bright pink motif that Barbie is known for. The trend began sweeping the nation and the world when photos of stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as characters Barbie and Ken were captured on set in Venice Beach in June 2022. What does this look like in the travel space? Hotels.com saw a 190% increase in searches for pink-themed hotels in 2022 compared to 2021, for starters. Luckily, in California there is no shortage of pink experiences from hotels to restaurants and, of course, lots of photo ops.

Last month, Visit California hosted three members of the media for pink adventures across Southern California.

Stacey McLachlan from Vancouver Magazine and Imogen West-Knights from The Times and The Sunday Times in the United Kingdom each took on a fabulously pink road trip covering the Los Angeles area and Greater Palm Springs. Pink hotel options in Palm Springs abound — Imogen stayed at the Trixie Motel, whereas Stacey, with toddler in tow, stayed at the more family-friendly Saguaro Palm Springs. Desert activities included spotting Barbie-hues on a mid-century modern self-guided tour, eating at Cafe La Jefa and Pink Cabana, and strolling through the Shops at Thirteen Forty Five. While in the LA area, both journalists posted up at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel and sought out the all-pink Paul Smith wall on Melrose Avenue and the World of Barbie exhibit currently in Santa Monica for a limited time.

After her travels, McLachan published "Weekend Getaway: The Barbiecore Trip You Need to Take Once You’ve Seen the Movie and Have Nothing Else to Live For" in Vancouver Magazine. West-Knights's piece "I’m Not a Barbie Girl. Could I Love this Pink Californian Road Trip?" appeared online in The Times and in print in the The Sunday Times.

Another Canadian journalist, Melissa Fejtek of The Kit, took a different route, traveling via Amtrak from San Diego, through LA and Pasadena and on to Santa Barbara. In San Diego, Melissa stayed at the iconic “Pink Lady” AKA La Valencia Hotel, and even had the signature Pink Lady drink delivered to her room by the resident cocktail butler. Other experiences included stops at Pink Rose Cafe, Holy Matcha, Cloak + Petal and Pigment. In Pasadena, Melissa stayed at the blush-colored Langham Huntington and enjoyed dining at local spots such as Agnes, Bar Chelou and Dots Cupcakes. Santa Barbara brought beautiful pink sunsets, seen from accommodations at the Harbor View Inn. The bougainvillea added to the theme, as did stops at The Andersen’s and Jeannine’s.

Fejtek's article, "My Deliciously Pink California Barbie Travel Adventure," appeared online at The Kit and in print in the Toronto Star LIVING Section.

Other international coverage from the global PR team’s pitching efforts include stories in Bold Traveler, VITA, Elle France, and Die Welt der Drehorte in Germany.

Interest and coverage from American publications has been strong since last summer and includes pieces in Thrillist, Elite Daily, Fodors and more.

At the time of publication, Visit California's support of journalists' interest in Barbie-themed travel has generated nearly. 32M online impressions.

For more Barbiecore ideas and inspiration visit articles on VisitCalifornia.com or the Visit California Media Center.

COVERAGE GRID SAVED HERE.