The Pasadena Rose Parade can hardly be termed as simply a parade, it’s a spectacular confluence of traditions with dazzling floral displays that has captivated people for more than a hundred years. Every year, on January 1st, the streets of Pasadena, California, come alive with incredible flower-covered floats, lively marching bands, and horse riders.
For the most, witnessing the Pasadena Rose Parade is a rare and treasured one-time event. In this article, we’ll talk more about how this event’s history and beauty stand out, how you can plan a visit and more significantly, how A la Carte Tours make it easy for you to book now for a memorable holiday.
Introduction to the Pasadena Rose Parade
Today, the parade is seen by millions of people around the world, either in person or through live broadcasts. The parade features elaborate floats made entirely of flowers, seeds, and other natural materials. These stunning works of art take months to design and build, showcasing the creativity and dedication of those involved. Besides the floats, there are many marching bands from across the globe and impressive cavalry units accompanying the procession.
The History of the Pasadena Rose Parade
The Rose Parade started with an aim of showing off the beauty of the southern part of California, along with its weather. There was so much enthusiasm from the public that in 1895 the Tournament of Roses Association came into being.
Over the years the nature of the parade has grown, but its core tradition of celebrating the New Year with floral masterpieces remains unchanged. In 1927, the first motorized floats were introduced, replacing the original horse-drawn carriages. Ever since then, the course of the parade has continued along these lines, including various advanced technologies and new designers’ ideas, without changing its basic nature.
The Pasadena Rose Parade has become a symbol of hope and renewal, drawing spectators from all over the world to experience its magic. Today, the parade is seen by millions of people around the world, either in person or through live broadcasts.
The parade features elaborate floats made entirely of flowers, seeds, and other natural materials. These stunning works of art take months to design and build, showcasing the creativity and dedication of those involved. Besides the floats, there are many marching bands from across the globe and impressive cavalry units accompanying the procession.
Planning Your Pasadena Rose Parade Itinerary
It is important that you plan your visit properly when you decide to go to the Pasadena Rose Parade. Below are some pointers that will guide you on how to plan your itinerary:
Book Early:
The tickets to the parade are a hot commodity and thus one has to purchase them in advance. Tour Companies such as Ala Carte Tours will help you get the best seats along the route of the parade. They offer various packages that include reserved seating, transportation, meals and accommodations.
Choose the Right Viewing Spot:
Noteworthy mentions for the best spots for viewing the parade at at the start of the parade at the intersection of Orange Grove Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard. These areas have the best and unblocked view of the floats and the performers. For a less prefered and uncrowded spot, the end of the parade route sits along Sierra Madre Boulevard.
Arrive Early:
Although the parade starts at 8:00 a.m. parade spectators usually turn up earlier. Should you be sitting in a reserved seating area, it is worthwhile to make sure you are there at least one to 2 hours before the commencement of the parade.
What to Expect Along the Parade Route
The Pasadena Rose Parade begins at Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard and ends at Sierra Madre Boulevard and Villa Street. It covers a total length of approximately 5.5 miles. Here’s what you can expect along the way:
Orange Grove Boulevard
Better known as “TV Corner”, this portion of the route is where some of the TV cameras are placed to capture the action. This is the best area for viewing the floats as they turn the corner and head off to Colorado Boulevard. If you want to be in the center of the action, this is the place to be.
Colorado Boulevard:
This is the longest part of the parade route where most people sit to watch the parade. As the parade turns the corner onto Colorado Boulevard, this is where the parade officially begins. It’s a lively area with lots of energy, and many TV cameras and chearing crowds as families and friends applaude the marching bands and beautiful floats. The parade progresses down the 5 mile stretch of Colorado Boulevard until it reaches Sierra Madra Boulevard.
Sierra Madre Boulevard
This quieter segment of the route would suit people who wish to dodge the crowds. Here the procession comes to a crawl enabling you to view the floats in all their glory. This is also a good place to capture photos of the floats without crowds in the background.
Tips for a Smooth Travel Experience
It is not easy at all to travel to Pasadena for the Rose Parade mainly because of the huge crowds and the perimeter of the area with many roads closed around it. So here are some tips to assist you with the trip:
Use Public Transportation:
Driving in Pasadena on parade day involves a lot of stress because of road closures and other factors such as parking restrictions. Hence, make use of public transportation such as Metro Gold Line, which has numerous stops close to the parade route.
Book a Travel Package:
Tour companies such as A la Carte Tours provide travel packages that include transportation, accommodation, and VIP Premium parade reserved seats. These packages will definitely save you a lot of trouble and make the trip more pleasurable.
Plan Your Day:
Apart from the parade day itself, there are several events that follow and which are just as entertaining in Pasadena, for example, the Rose Bowl game and the Floatfest – Post Parade Showcase in which the floats are placed on display. These should be factored in also in your itinerary.
Beyond the Parade: Things to Do in Pasadena
Pasadena is a gorgeous city full of attractions apart from the Rose Parade. If one comes for the parade, why not extend the visit for a couple of extra days? The following are some of the places you must see before leaving.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens:
This breathtaking cultural institution is endowed with beautiful gardens, a wide range of artworks and a rare books and manuscripts among other interests. It is such a nice place to be that one can get their fill of all that Pasadena has to offer.
Old Pasadena
This part of the city is a preserved historical site with numerous shops, places for eating and other entertainment. This is an area where one may want to go for either shopping or eating a meal.
Norton Simon Museum:
The Norton Simon Museum holds a remarkable assortment of art with artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso and Degas which will be greatly admired by those fond of Art.
Why Choose A la Carte Tours?
It can be intimidating to plan a vacation to the Pasadena Rose parade but such a task is simplified by A la Carte Tours. There are a number of travel packages available to you which will enable you to relax, not having to worry about anything.
From securing the best premium seats along the parade route to arranged transportation and accommodations, A la Carte Tours takes care of all the details. Their packages cater for all budgets and you can go for a premium or basis travel experience that will please the entire family, friends and young kids. When you travel with A la Carte tours to the Pasadena Rose Parade, you do not need to worry about logistics. Just sit there and look at experience the adventure.
Conclusion
The Pasadena Rose Parade showcases impressive floats, colorful flowers and traditions and one should never miss. Whether you’re there for the first time or you are a loyal regular, its magical to see the vibrant floats and active performances in real time. If you take care of your itinerary, and book with A la Carte Tours, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience. So don’t wait—book now and get ready to be a part of this incredible New Year’s Day tradition!
FAQs About the Pasadena Rose Parade
What is the Pasadena Rose Parade?
The Pasadena Rose Parade is one of the most popular annual events which takes place every year on the 1st of January in Pasadena, California. The event showcases large flower-covered floats, musical bands, and equestrian units that draws in crowds from all over the globe and lasts 2 hours hours.
When should I book my tickets for the Rose Parade?
It’s best advised that you book your tickets as early as possible because seats sell out fast. Various tour operators such as Ala Carte Tours sells various tour packages which include the tickets, transportation and accommodation, saving the hassle of planning it yourself.
What is the best place to watch the parade?
Orange Grove Boulevard and the start of the parade on Colorado Boulevard are equally good points to watch the parade with the advantage of having the best view of the floats. These areas are very popular, so book your seats early and arrive early for the best parade experience.
How long is the Rose Parade route?
The route of the parade is 5.5 miles long with the starting point as Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard and the end point as Sierra Madre Boulevard and Villa Street. It takes over five hours for the parade to pass through the entire route.
Can I plan my trip with a local travel agent?
Of course, A la Carte Tours works closely with travel agents around the country to provide assistance in trip planning which consists of purchasing tour packages and providing transportion. This makes your Rose Parade experience hassle free and more enjoyable.