New Year’s wouldn’t be complete without the Tournament of Roses Parade. Featuring flower-covered floats, energetic marching bands, and talented equestrian units, the parade is one of the most popular celebrations in the U.S., attracting visitors from all over the world. To make the most of the experience, it is advisable that you don’t just show up, but make an effort to get the best seat in the house. This guide aims to explore the most appropriate places where one can watch the Rose Parade from, how to plan your itinerary for the day, and travel agents like Ala Carte Tours can give you peace of mind throughout the experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned parade-goer, this guide will help you find the perfect spot to catch all the excitement.
Introduction to the Rose Parade
New Year’s Day is synonymous with the Rose Parade in Pasadena California,and is a spectacle of floral beauty and lively performances. There usually is a cavalcade of over forty floats with numerous marching and horse riding bands from every part of the globe. Apart from the live spectators who attend the parade, there are an enormous number of viewers who watch the parade on television. The route of the parade spans about 5.5 miles; there is enough space for people to view the event yet suitable localization is crucial for an indescribable experience. The parade starts at 8:00 AM, but for some people a couple of hours prior to the parade seems adequate.Whether you want to see the parade up close, avoid the crowds, or find a family-friendly spot, this guide will help you decide where to settle in for the big event.
The Best Viewing Spots Along the Parade Route
Orange Grove Boulevard: The TV Corner
The Orange Grove Boulevard or ‘The TV Corner’ is the epicenter of the parade. This area is where the floats make their grand entrance, and it’s where most TV cameras are positioned, making it the most iconic spot along the parade route.
Pros
- You will get a great view as the floats round the corner onto Colorado Boulevard.
- Predictably, since this is the ‘TV Corner’ you’ll get a prime spot to see the floats at their best.
Cons
- This is one of the most targeted places, hence you must come for the parade in good time if you want a good view.
- Reserved grandstand seating is required in this area, which can sell out quickly.
Colorado Boulevard: The Heart of the Parade
Colorado Boulevard is the longest stretch and is the most spectators area making the latter the most attended. This portion runs through downtown Pasadena, offering a lively atmosphere with plenty of restaurants and shops nearby.
Pros
- A lot of general seating space if you come early as most people still have not arrived.
- The nice thing about this area is that the floats and performers usually move a bit slower around this point allowing the audience to soak in all the sights.
Cons
- It’s an attractive location, so naturally, it gets crowded.
- If you hate the idea of getting stuck trying to spot a place on the side walks, consider booking a grandstand seat in advance.
Sierra Madre Boulevard: Quieter and Family-Friendly
Those looking for a more tranquil view should definitely choose this location, which is Sierra Madre Boulevard. This place is less populated than Colorado Boulevard and provides a more comfortable atmosphere for people with small children.
Pros
- Less crowded, so it is easy to get a good viewing location without showing up too soon.
- This is where the parade ends and thus the floats often slow down, which provides good chances for photos.
Cons
- Though it is quieter, it is also much more distant from the center of activities in downtown Pasadena.
- There are fewer amenities like shops and restaurants compared to the busier parts of the route.
Brookside Park: Viewing and Post-Parade Float Display
For those people who do not want to come early for the parade, it would be ideal for them to come to Brookside Park. This area is relatively more peaceful and during the Post-Parade Float Showcase, this is one of the areas where viewers can get close to the rose parade floats.
Pros
- Good for those people who want to enjoy the peaceful environment with their families.
- After the parade, viewing the floats is equally enjoyable since everybody has a chance to be up close with them.
Cons
- This area is farther along the route, so you’ll see the floats later in the parade.
- You will be farther away from the main downtown area which would be a disadvantage for those who prefer to be in the center of the action.
Planning Your Itinerary for Parade Day
To fully enjoy your Rose Parade experience, it’s important to plan ahead. Here are a few tips to help you organize your day:
1. Arrive Early
Even though the Rose Parade officially begins at 8:00 AM, spectators often start arriving hours earlier to secure their spots. If that sounds appealing and you want to secure a good viewing position, it is advisable to stand there as early as 6 am in the morning or both. The earlier times apply when the rest are on Colorado Boulevard or the TV Corner. For quieter areas like Sierra Madre Boulevard, you can arrive a little later, but it’s always best to get there early to avoid last-minute stress.
2. Pack the Essentials
Be sure to pack whatever you want to carry with you in order to avoid inconveniences during the day. There are some fundamental requirements listed below:
- Seating: If you are not going to the grandstands, then carry chairs or blankets to sit on the sidewalk.
- Snacks and Water: Though there are vendors on the route, packing your snacks and drinking water will save time and money.
- Layered Clothing: Mornings in Pasadena are cold, but it does get warm during the later parts of the day. Donning layers will provide extra comfort during the day.
3. Use Public Transportation
Finding a parking space anywhere near the parade route is difficult owing to road closures and big numbers of spectators. One can take advantage of public transport like the Metro Gold Line which has several stops near the parade route. Conversely, Ala Carte Tour brings packages that include transport and everything else necessary for the day.
Book a Rose Parade Tour with Ala Carte Tours
If you want to have an easy way of witnessing the Rose Parade, then looking for tour packages from Ala Carte Tours will be the best bet. They provide various Rose Parade Tour packages for different tastes and budgets.
Why Choose Ala Carte Tours?
- Itinerary Planning: All the details of the event are pre-planned by Ala Carte Tours and includes reserving premium seats, and also booking transport and taking care of everything, so you can focus on enjoying the parade.
- Exclusive Access: There are some tour packages that come with extras, such as being able to go behind the scenes of where all the floral floats are built and stored.
- Travel Agents and Expert Assistance: Any of their highly skilled travel agents are there to assist you in picking the most suitable package, respond to all your inquiries, and basically oversee the whole process from beginning to end.
- Book Now: Early booking can guarantee that you get the best seats and avoid unnecessary pressure just before the event.
Conclusion
The Rose Parade is undoubtedly a cherished event showcasing a great amount of skills and creativity. It’s strictly advisable to identify the best viewing place in advance and prepare the rest of the day in such a way that all activities are carried out without any rush. People who want to enjoy the parade in a more relaxed atmosphere or look for a more energetic setting will easily find suitable locations along the entire 5.5 mile route. For a hassle-free experience, consider booking a Rose Parade Tour with Ala Carte Tours. With their expert itinerary planning, the additional benefits and premium seats that are provided, you can enjoy one of the best parades worldwide. Book now to secure your spot and get ready for an unforgettable day!