The Ultimate Rose Parade and Rose Bowl First-Time Visitor Guide
Want to go to the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl and don’t know where to start?
Welcome to our comprehensive guide for first-time visitors to the iconic New Year’s Day tradition of the Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl held in Pasadena, California. If you’re planning to immerse yourself in these legendary Pasadena events, you’ve come to the right place.
Our firsthand experience attending the annual Rose Parade and Rose Bowl this year confirmed that these events are just as spectacular as we anticipated.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the vibrant world of the Rose Parade and dive into the excitement of the Rose Bowl, addressing all your potential concerns and questions. Our insights aim to not only make your first experience unforgettable but also seamless and enjoyable.
Join us as we share valuable tips and tricks to enhance your visit, tailored specifically to the needs of first-time attendees.
Is the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Worth Attending?
Absolutely! The Rose Parade and Rose Bowl are two of the most iconic and highly anticipated events in Southern California.
Every year, huge crowds of people from all over the world flock to these festivities to witness firsthand the stunning floral-decorated floats decorated with vibrant flowers, the world’s best marching bands, and equestrian units, and cheer on their favorite college football team.
Whether you’re a flower enthusiast or a sports fanatic, these events offer something for everyone.
When is the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl?
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses New Year’s Day Parade, more commonly known as the Rose Parade, takes place on January 1st each year. The parade starts promptly at 8 AM and lasts for about two hours.
The Rose Bowl football game follows later in the day, usually around 1 PM. The only exception is when January 1st falls on Sunday, then the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl are held on January 2.
Getting Tickets for the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl
The first thing you need to do is secure tickets for both events, as they are highly sought-after and sell out quickly. The Tournament of Roses Association is responsible for organizing both the parade and the game, and they offer a range of ticket options to suit different budgets. It’s best to purchase your tickets as soon as they go on sale, which is typically in the fall.
Rose Parade Tickets
The Rose Parade, also known as the Tournament of Roses Parade, is a beloved annual event that takes place on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, California. If you’re interested in securing tickets to this spectacular event, read on to learn more about how you can be part of the excitement.
Do you have to purchase tickets for the Tournament of Roses Parade, or can you go for free?
You can go free, and people start camping out for prime viewing spots at noon the day before (New Year’s Eve) along the parade route. If you like camping and have a big group, this may be an option for you.
Our tip: consider getting grandstand seats for the parade. We did and were glad because we had front-row seats to see all the beautiful floats, marching bands, and horses.
Rose Parade tickets for the grandstands can be bought from Sharp Seating Company and go on sale on February 1.
We sat in section 340 on Colorado Blvd and enjoyed the seats and parade!
Rose Bowl Tickets
Rose Bowl tickets went on sale in October. I have seen them on sale as early as September and as late as November. Check Ticketmaster often.
Planning Your Trip to Pasadena
Pasadena is a beautiful city with plenty of attractions and activities to explore beyond the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl. If you’re visiting from out of town, consider staying in Pasadena for a few days to fully experience all it has to offer.
Parking and Transportation
Parking near the parade route and Rose Bowl stadium can be challenging, so it’s best to plan ahead. Many hotels offer shuttle services to the parade and game, so be sure to inquire when making your reservations.
If you do choose to drive, arrive early as parking spots fill up quickly. There are also designated park-and-ride locations with shuttle service to the events.
You can also purchase parking from Sharp Seating Company, which includes both the parade and the football game.
Parking for the Rose Parade
There are various parking options available for the Rose Parade, including free and paid lots. Some nearby streets may also offer street parking on a first-come, first-served basis. Please keep in mind that you cannot cross Colorado Blvd after 6:00 am.
Parking for the Rose Bowl Game
Parking at the Rose Bowl Stadium is limited and can be expensive. Consider using a ride-sharing service or taking public transportation to avoid the hassle of finding parking.
Transportation to the Rose Parade
There are several transportation options available for getting to the parade and game. The Metro Gold Line offers a convenient way to travel between Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles, where you can catch the parade or a shuttle to the game.
You can also take advantage of ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft, which offer designated drop-off points near the parade route and Rose Bowl Stadium.
Transportation to the Rose Bowl Stadium
The Rose Bowl Stadium is located in Pasadena, California. If you are driving, be aware that there may be road closures and heavy traffic on the day of the game.
Plan to arrive early or take alternative transportation. If you are attending both, you can walk from the Parade to the Rose Bowl, it’s 1-4 miles, depending on where you are watching the parade. We were near the corner of Colorado and Orange Grove Boulevard, and it was a little over a mile to the stadium.
Best Tips for Attending the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game
- Arrive early: The parade and game are popular events, so arriving early is important to secure a good spot. For the parade, if you haven’t bought grandstand tickets, you can bring chairs and blankets to stake out your spot along the parade route to see all of the floral floats.
- Dress appropriately: The weather in Pasadena can be unpredictable, so make sure to check the
- Wear comfortable shoes: The parade route and stadium can involve a lot of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring snacks and water: Food and drinks are available for purchase, but lines can be long. Pack some snacks and plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Dress in layers: The temperature can vary greatly throughout the day, so be prepared with layers that you can add or remove as needed.
- Purchase tickets in advance: Tickets for the Rose Bowl Game and grandstand seats for the parade sell out quickly, so be sure to purchase them in advance if possible.
- The parade organizers have plenty of volunteers at various locations along the route who can help you with any questions you may have. You will see them dressed in the traditional white suits.
How do you get from the Rose Parade to the Rose Bowl?
After enjoying the festivities of the Rose Parade, it’s time to head over to the iconic Rose Bowl stadium for the highly anticipated football game. There are a few different transportation options available:
- Walking: If you’re staying near downtown Pasadena, it’s a scenic 30-40 minute walk to the stadium. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a map, use GPS, or just follow the crowds.
- Driving: The Rose Bowl has plenty of parking available for a fee, but be aware that traffic can get quite congested around the stadium on game day. It’s best to arrive early and plan out your route in advance.
- Metro: The Los Angeles Metro offers a convenient shuttle service from select locations to the Rose Bowl Stadium. This is a great option if you don’t want to deal with parking or driving in heavy traffic. Check the Metro website for more information and schedules.
11 Things to Do before and after the Rose Parade
There’s more to experience during the Rose Parade than just watching the floats go by. Here are some suggestions for pre-parade festivities and post-parade festivities:
1. Attend the Bandfest
This event showcases the marching bands that will be performing in the parade. It takes place on December 29th and 30th at Pasadena City College.
2. Become a Volunteer to Decorate Floats
If you want to get a closer look at the beautiful floats, consider volunteering to help decorate them. It’s a fun and unique experience that allows you to be part of the parade.
3. Watch a float decorating session
Get an up-close look at how intricate floats are created by attending a float decorating session at one of the warehouses in Pasadena.
4. Attend Floatfest
This event offers the opportunity to get an up-close view of all the floats on the day of and the day after. Tickets can be purchased in advance.
5. Go to Equestfest
See the horses and riders participating in the parade at this event. It takes place on December 29th at Burbank Equestrian Center and features equestrian pageants.
6. Visit the Norton Simon Museum
This world-renowned art museum is located near the parade route and offers free admission on New Year’s Day.
7. Explore Old Town Pasadena
Take a stroll through this charming district filled with shops, restaurants, and historic architecture.
8. Check out the Rose Bowl Stadium
If you’re a football fan, visit the stadium before or after the game to see where all the action takes place.
9. Celebrate Fan Fare in the Rose Bowl FanFest Zone
This pre-game event is open to all ticket holders and offers food, entertainment, and activities.
10. Visit the Wrigley Mansion
This historic mansion, built by the chewing gum tycoon William Wrigley Jr., is open for tours and offers stunning views of Pasadena and the surrounding area.
11. Take a hike in the San Gabriel Mountains
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by going on a scenic hike in this nearby mountain range.
What do you need for the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl?
To fully enjoy your experience at the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl, there are a few essentials that you should bring with you:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Tickets: Will be digital on your phone, be sure and put them in your digital phone wallet
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Snacks and water
- Layers of clothing – warm jacket, gloves
- A map of the parade route and stadium layout
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Stadium Seats (we loved these for both the parade and football game)
- Clear Plastic Bag for the Rose Bowl bag policy – Backpack or Purse
- Binoculars
- Sunglasses
- Hand Warmers worked great!
- A camera or a phone with a good camera
- Cash for food and souvenirs (although we were able to use credit cards at most places)
- Rose Bowl Phone App
Where to Stay Nearby
If you’re planning on attending both the Rose Bowl and Rose Parade, it’s a good idea to stay nearby for convenience. Here are a few recommended options:
In Pasadena
Near Pasadena and a Metro Station
As mentioned, taking the Metro is a great option for getting to the Rose Bowl. If you’re staying near a metro station, you can easily access both the parade and game without having to worry about parking or traffic. Some recommended areas include Arcadia, Monrovia, Highland Park, Glendale, and Eagle Rock.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Monrovia
- Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Pasadena/Monrovia
- Le Meridien Pasadena Arcadia
Where to Dine
If you’re looking for some delicious eats before or after the Rose Parade, Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena has an array of dining options to satisfy any craving. Here are 10 recommended restaurants and a brief description of what type of food they offer:
- Lunasia Dim Sum House: Authentic Cantonese dim sum served in a modern and stylish setting.
- Pie ‘n Burger: Classic diner with a mouth-watering selection of burgers, homemade pies, and milkshakes.
- Ramen Tatsunoya: A must-try for ramen lovers, this restaurant serves up rich and flavorful bowls of Japanese noodle soup.
- Gus’s Barbecue: Get your fill of Southern-style barbecue at this local favorite.
- Union: A chic and trendy spot serving New American cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
- Green Street Restaurant: A Pasadena institution, this restaurant offers a diverse menu with everything from burgers to seafood to vegetarian options.
- King Taco: For some quick and delicious Mexican food, head to this popular taco shop for tacos filled with your choice of meat or veggies.
- Blaze Pizza: Build your customized pizza with fresh and flavorful ingredients at this fast-casual chain.
- Cheesecake Factory: Indulge in a slice of their famous cheesecake or choose from their extensive menu of American classics and international dishes.
- Jamba Juice: Stay refreshed with a smoothie or juice from this popular chain, offering a variety of tasty and healthy drinks.
- The Raymond 1886: Enjoy craft cocktails and elevated American cuisine at this stylish restaurant housed in a historic building.
No matter what type of cuisine you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it on Colorado Boulevard. And don’t worry about making reservations – most restaurants will have extended hours or even be open 24/7 during the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl festivities.
History of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl
The iconic Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl is a staple tradition in Pasadena since 1890. The parade was created to showcase the beautiful flowers that were grown in the area and promote community spirit, hence the name “Rose Parade”.
The Rose Bowl, known as the Granddaddy of Them All, hosted the first football game in 1902 and has since evolved into one of the nation’s most esteemed college bowl games. Its rich history and prestige make it an integral part of the football landscape.
What are some of the rules for creating floats?
The biggest part of the Tournament of Roses is the large floral floats. To be eligible to enter a float into the Rose Parade, some specific rules and regulations must be followed. These include:
- All floats must be decorated with natural materials such as flowers, plants, seeds, bark, and leaves.
- Floats must not exceed a height of 30 feet or a width of 18 feet.
- Vehicles used to pull the floats must be disguised or decorated to blend in with the float’s theme.
- Animatronics and live animals are not allowed on floats.
- All materials used must be fireproofed for safety reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Rose Parade and Rose Bowl First-Time Visitor
Here are some common questions that first-time visitors to the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl may have:
The parade route is approximately 5.5 miles long and takes about 2 hours to complete.
There are usually around 40-45 floats in the parade, each adorned with thousands of flowers.
While the parade can be viewed for free along the parade route, many people choose to purchase tickets for assigned seating in the grandstands. These tickets can be purchased through the official Rose Parade website or various tour companies.
Yes, you are allowed to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks to the parade. However, alcohol is strictly prohibited.
No, pets (except for service animals) are not allowed at the Rose Parade for safety reasons.
Yes, it’s recommended to attend the parade near the first of the route and then make your way to the game afterward. The Rose Parade usually begins at 8:00 am and ends around 10:30 am, giving you plenty of time to grab some food and find your seats at the Rose Bowl before kickoff at 1:00 pm.
Yes, the Rose Parade is always held on New Year’s Day except for when it falls on a Sunday. In that case, the parade is moved to January 2nd. The Rose Bowl game follows shortly after the parade and is also traditionally played on New Year’s Day.
Yes, bags must be clear and smaller than 14″x14″x6″, weapons, drones, and other prohibited items are not allowed at the parade or game. It’s best to check the official Rose Parade and Rose Bowl websites for a complete list of restricted items before attending.
It’s recommended to wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing (it can be cold weather in the morning; it was 40 degrees when we left the hotel), as well as comfortable shoes for the parade. If you plan on attending the game, be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand and dress accordingly.
It is recommended to arrive at least 2-3 hours before the parade starts, especially if you plan on finding a spot along the Rose Parade route. The earlier you arrive, the better your chances of getting a good view of the giant floats.
FloatFest is a new event that debuted in 2020. It takes place on the day of and after the Rose Parade and allows visitors to see the floats up close and watch as they are being decorated with fresh flowers. This event requires separate tickets from the parade, but it’s a great behind-the-scenes experience for those interested in seeing the floats up close.
Typically, floats cost around $250,000 to construct and decorate. However, some larger floats can cost upwards of $700,000. These costs are covered by the participating organizations and businesses that create the floats, as well as sponsorships.
The Wrap-Up: Rose Parade and Rose Bowl First-Time Visitor Guide
The Rose Parade and Rose Bowl are a must-see for all Pasadena first-time visitors. With our guide, you can now plan your trip with ease and take advantage of everything Pasadena has to offer. Make sure you choose the right seats, plan ahead, pack all the essentials, experience the local culture, and, most importantly, enjoy the moment.
We hope this guide will help your visit be as memorable and magical as possible.
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