The iconic Tournament of Roses in Pasadena is the city’s annual one-two punch: a parade and a football game. It’s California’s way of celebrating the New Year with a twin display of flower power and physical prowess—and there are several ways to take part in one or both events before, during, and even after January 1. Game tickets usually go on sale in early December—and often sell out fast.
How to Watch the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena
The parade, which first started in 1890, features a rotating trio of spectacles—some of the world’s best marching bands interspersed with equestrian pageants and, of course, those colorful flowered floats, handmade by pasting millions of petals, seeds, and other all-natural materials to create patterns and designs.
The parade route moves along 5.5 miles of Pasadena’s main roads, mostly on Colorado Blvd. (Fun fact: Colorado Blvd. lies along the original path of Route 66.) The parade draws huge crowds, with people often camping out the night before to secure prime viewing spots along the parade route. If you’d rather not leave it up to chance, consider purchasing one of the 70,000 grandstand seats.
Insider Tips for the Rose Bowl Parade
Crowds are pretty tight and the sidewalks will be packed, so navigating a stroller or wagon through this dense collection of onlookers might be very difficult. Wear comfortable shoes and layers as Pasadena mornings this time of year often start off in the 40s and then heat up fairly quickly (the typical high temp is in the 60s). Plan your visit around this guide for parking, mass transit, and accessibility options near the route.
How to Get a Sneak Peek of the Parade Before Jan. 1
You also don’t have to come for the actual parade to appreciate its best features. In the last days of December, you can see many of the parade preparations and enjoy a “behind the scenes” look at floats and performers.
Bandfest: Where to Watch the Rose Bowl Marching Bands Practice Before Showtime
Being selected for a Rose Parade appearance is a huge honor for any high school or college marching band. You can watch the bands “warm up” before the parade (typically Dec. 29 and 30) at BandFest, located at Robinson Stadium at Pasadena College.
Equestfest: Where to Watch the Rose Bowl Horses Before the Parade
Horses have been a vital part of the Rose Parade since it began in 1890. Back then, it was a way to honor the agricultural diversity of the Golden State. Today, upwards of 20 equestrian units from around the nation—from charro teams to rodeo performers—appear in the parade. You can see this year’s horses a few days before the parade at EquestFest, typically held on Dec. 29 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in nearby Burbank.
Floatfest: Where to See the Floats Up Close Before and After the Rose Parade
Meanwhile, there’s no charge (and no crowd) to watch many of the giant floats being decorated, petal by petal, at various locations around Pasadena. Depending on the location, you can sometimes even volunteer to help decorate a float a few days before the parade.
You can also check out the floats up close after the parade: FloatFest showcases all of the masterpieces, lined up along Sierra Madre and Washington boulevards for pedestrians to admire during the rest of January 1 and through January 2.
What to Do in the Pasadena Area During the Rose Bowl Parade
Tackle Kid Space: Located just a short distance from the stadium is the delightful Kid Space Children’s Museum. This interactive museum is loaded with things to climb and ride, and is filled with super fun learning experiences. There’s a tricycle obstacle course, an indoor mountain you can climb, a treehouse, and a park made entirely out of musical instruments.
Tour the 1908 Gamble House: This pristine example of architecture from the American Arts and Crafts movement offers a vivid look at how people lived over 100 years ago.
Take a Walk Through the Descanso Gardens “Enchanted Forest of Light”: This charming holiday experience will still be running into the new year. Take a stroll through the light fields and interactive art exhibits before it ends for the season.
Tour the Rose Bowl Stadium: On non-game days, you can tour Rose Bowl Stadium for peeks at the press box and the original locker room, which dates back to 1922. Check out our full guide to this historic stadium.
Tour the Tournament House: Aficionados of the annual game and festivities should leave time to take a tour of the Tournament House, which has served as the headquarters of the Rose Bowl and Parade since 1958. Back then the home—then known as the Wrigley Mansion—was given to the city of Pasadena with that purpose in mind. The house will be offering a tour on Jan. 2.
Where to Eat in Pasadena/Altadena During the Rose Bowl
The recently reopened restaurant Betsy was lauded as The Infatuation’s “best comeback” restaurant (it closed and renamed itself after the Eaton Fires) and has been one of Esquire magazine’s best restaurants of the year. Chef Paul Downer (working alongside owner/chef Tyler Wells) cooks just about everything over an open fire. Do not miss the blackened cheesecake and cast iron focaccia; reservations recommended.
Mandarin Coffee is a local staple and top tier coffee shop located inside the gorgeous Burlington Arcade, an indoor shopping mall built to replicate the historic 1819 London landmark. The shop is so popular they just opened up a second spot, but get there early, lines form right at opening.
Also worth a stop: sandwiches at Ferrazzani’s Pasta & Market, breakfast burritos at BBAD (which stands for breakfast burritos all day), and rotisserie chicken at Saucy Chick.