Today was the day that the first Barbie doll made her debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York in 1959. Make fun of her all you want, but Barbie's an icon whose life has been far more interesting than any reality show, and yes we know if she were real her head wouldn't be supported by her body dimensions or some such thing, but come on. Even Dolly Parton named her newest record "Backwoods Barbie."

I'm not a Mom, so my experience of the Bratz phenomenon is via friends with kids, but Barbie was my formative years doll (actually, my first Barbie was "PJ: Barbie's Mod Friend") and I doubt she'll have serious competition for long.

Living in Los Angeles we're subject to the snide 'Barbie-doll-look' comparison jokes from non-locals (okay, so Barbie's first outfit was a bathing suit and we even have our own "CaliBarbie" - but I think everyone's just jealous). Want to celebrate Barbie's birthday the LA way? Here's a few suggestions.

Modern-day Barbie (aka Jewel Girl Barbie): Just stroll down Roberston Boulevard. You can spot Ken and channel Rapunzel Barbie at the same time with a visit to Ken Paves Salon at 409 N Robertson.

Malibu Barbie now carries sunscreen, but she always wore sunglasses. Take Pacific Coast Highway (as Ferrari Barbie) to Zuma Beach, the ultimate Malibu Barbie destination.

Barbecue Bash Barbie/Barbie's camper: Trailer parks in Malibu give a whole new meaning to the term - head over to Paradise Cove and see.

Silver Screen Barbie: Take in the sights on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, heading toward the Kodak Theater at Hollywood and Highland.

Dance Moves Barbie: Head to Millennium Dance Complex in North Hollywood where Britney teaches the occasional class.

Navy Barbie: Visit the U.S.S. Los Angeles Naval Memorial in San Pedro where the Los Angeles Maritime Museum is also located.

Barbie's Dream House: Driving west on Sunset Boulevard, head north though the gates of Bel Air. Channel Tea Party Barbie with a stop at the Hotel Bel Air.

Olympic Barbie: Train on the steps in Santa Monica at 4th Street and Adelaide Avenue; go to any Equinox gym, or just rollerblade down the boardwalk in Venice. She can always be spotted at any local beach playing volleyball or surfing in her down time.

There's so many Disney Barbies, you can head to Disneyland (aren't we lucky?) and take your pick! (The newest is Mary Poppins Barbie.)

Still need to satisfy your Barbie jones? You can check out the new Cher Barbie and just about everything else at the official Barbie Collector site; naturally there is a comprehensive wikiepedia page, or check out Joe's List - he also has a shop right here in town. Still not satisfied? Get ready for the Barbie Convention.

Photo of Barbies at the Prague Toy Museum by LuisVilla via Flickr.