Fun, Life, Los Angeles Events, Travel

A Small Survival Guide for Attending The Rose Parade

One of the best memories I’ll take away from 2014 was going to The Tournament of Roses Parade. Having been born, don’t you think it’s a little crazy I’d never attended? Granted, I was living in town and within walking distance of the route. Yet, hundreds of thousands of people from around the world gather on January 1st to witness this celebration of a new year with beautiful, work of art floats created from countless pounds of flowers, produce and exotic plants, as well as see celebrities and special guests. So, they’re doing something right! If you’re heading out, or considering the Rose Parade, here are some quick facts & tips that I would like to know & find useful:

Grandstand Seats

Grandstand seating is available from this official web-site and start as low as $68.00. They also are offering parking and tickets to The Rose Bowl football game.

Parking

Try parking on a street away from Colorado Boulevard if you don’t mind taking a walk (or a trek, depending how far away you park.) I was living off of Orange Grove and Los Robles Boulevard when we walked down, so you might try the neighborhoods around there for assistance. Just remember to obey all street signs and do not park in a shopping plaza or any private lots.

Get comfortable for the day in Pasadena

Traffic is very heavy  following the parade. I would suggest staying and enjoying the city for a while, or the entire day. Colorado Boulevard is super festive afterwards, and of course all the bars are sure to have the game on.

Street Camping

Overnight street camping is allowed on December 31st only, beginning at 12pm. Bring PLENTY of extremeyl warm clothing, blankets, pillows. Small one inch BBQs off the ground are also permitted. No alcohol or any illegal substances. I’ve always read its impossible to sleep, which I can only imagine, so, prepare yourself for a fun, yet long night.

Infants and Toddlers Attending

If you have a child age 2 or younger, they do not need a ticket if you buy grandstand seating. They may sit on an adults lap.

Where to go Afterwards

Fun places to people watch or watch the football game are everywhere. Old Town Pasadena is seriously one of the coolest, most diverse suburbs of LA.A few spots I love are True Food Kitchen, City Thai and Kabuki

So, that’s my 2 cents. Whether or not you will be at The Rose Parade, you can bet on it that I’ll always support my hometown on New Year’s Day! xo

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  1. Susan Cooper

    December 29, 2014 at 11:36 am

    Hi Mary, I have always wanted to see the Rose Parade in person one year. I’ve heard it is fabulous to see those floats up close and the wonderful scent of all the flowers in the air. :).

    1. AlongComesMary

      December 29, 2014 at 12:59 pm

      It IS, Susan! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

  2. Melissa Reyes

    December 29, 2014 at 12:49 pm

    This brings back memories! My hubby and I used to go there for the parade (camped out three years in a row when we were in our 20’s) and we discovered that they keep the floats on display for a few days afterwards, which is another great way to see them.

    1. AlongComesMary

      December 29, 2014 at 12:58 pm

      Yes, Melissa! That is another fun activity to do!! 😀 So awesome you’ve camped out, too.

  3. Jen

    December 29, 2014 at 3:47 pm

    I camped out once and it was COLD! Well, for my SoCal blood anyway. 😉 It was a cool experience though – seeing everyone there to watch the parade was neat. My dad used to take my brother and I to see the floats when they were being built every year too. They look amazing close-up!

  4. Ann

    December 30, 2014 at 7:43 am

    I’ve never gone to the parade (yet). Maybe some day! I enjoy snuggling on the couch to watch it in the comfort of my jammies with a nice hot cup of coffee. Thanks for the tips though–maybe someday I will get there.

  5. karissa

    January 4, 2015 at 7:56 pm

    I’d love to attend, my mom is a florist in San Diego and a few years ago did flowers for some of the horses to wear which was exciting. Thanks for linking up with Motivational Monday!

    1. AlongComesMary

      January 4, 2015 at 9:25 pm

      Thank you!!

  6. Faylinn Byrne

    July 29, 2019 at 10:05 am

    You have good tips about kids age 2 or younger not needing a ticket. I am thinking of attending the next Rose Parade. I want to have a tour personalized to me and my family.

    1. AlongComesMary

      July 29, 2019 at 3:50 pm

      Thank you!!

  7. Skylar Williams

    October 18, 2019 at 9:41 am

    Thank you for your parking tips when you go to the rose parade. My family wants to go on a rose parade tour. I’ll be sure to park in the perfect place so we don’t have to fight traffic once we buy some tickets.

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