New Year’s Day wouldn’t be complete without the Tournament of Roses Parade. Featuring flower-covered floats, energetic marching bands, and talented equestrian units, the Rose 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 tou companies like A la 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 alllllng with numerous marching and equestrian units from every part of the globe. Apart from the 700,000+ live spectators who attend the parade, and millions of viewers who watch the parade on television. The route of the Rose Parade spans 5.5 miles; allowing enough space for people to view the event. Although, a suitable seating location is crucial for the ultimate experience. The parade starts exactly at 8:00 AM Pacific Time, but for some people arrive a couple of hours prior to the parade, or camp-out overnight for the best locations. 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
It is important to note there are only 70,000 seats available along the route, and only 7,000 premium seats are at the start of the parade. Over 700,000+ guests are in attendance each year on parade day, with 90% of attendees having to negotiate for a standing position along the parade route starting at 12-noon on December 31st. There are NO standing-room-only spaces available at the start of the parade. Premium Seats are positioned at the ‘start of the parade‘ where the major networks TV cameras are located and where all the entertainment happens. Be cautious when looking at tours for the Rose Parade. Some tour companies will use terms like ‘near the start of the parade‘ or ‘close to the start of the parade‘ or they may not even list the location of their seats at all in their description. If you are not at the ‘start of the parade‘ you will not have the same exciting and enjoyable experience.
The trade-off is simple: premium arrangements usually cost more than a bare-bones approach. But for travelers who prize comfort, predictability, and a polished experience, this is often the add-on that defines the trip.
Orange Grove Boulevard/Colorado Boulevard intersection: The TV Corner
The Orange Grove Boulevard/Colorado Boulevard intersection also know as ‘The TV Corner’ is the epicenter of the parade. This area is where the floats make their grand entrance onto Colorado Boulevard, and it’s where most TV cameras are positioned, making it the most iconic and high-demand spot for seating along the parade route.
Pros
- You will get a great view as the floats as they round the corner onto Colorado Boulevard.
- Predictably, since this is the ‘TV Corner’ you’ll get the premium location to see the floats at their best.
- This is the area where all the entertainment happens, and is broadcast worldwide on numerous television stations.
Cons
- This is one of the most targeted places, hence you must secure seat reservations well in advance, if you want a good view.
- Reserved Premium Grandstand Seating is required in this area, which can sell out quickly.
- There are no standing-room-only spaces along this area of the parade route.
Colorado Boulevard: The Heart of the Parade
Colorado Boulevard is the longest stretch of the parade route and is where most spectators are located making it the most populated. This portion runs through downtown Pasadena for 5.5 miles, offering a lively atmosphere with plenty of restaurants and shops nearby.
Pros
- A lot of Reserved General Seating (63,000 seats) is spaced along Colorado Boulevard, with standing-room-only space in between.
- 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
- If you are not in the Premium Seating at the ‘start of the parade’, most bands and entertainers may not be performing.
- If you hate the idea of getting stuck trying to spot a place on the side walks, consider purchasing a grandstand seat in advance.
Sierra Madre Boulevard: Quieter and Family-Friendly
Those looking for a more tranquil view could consider this standing-room-only location along 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 early.
- 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 the farthest distant from the center of activities in downtown Pasadena.
- There are fewer amenities like shops and restaurants compared to the busier parts of the parade route.
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 exactly at 8:00am Pacific Time, spectators for standing-room-only spaces 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 start arriving at 12:00pm on December 31st and plan to spend the night. For quieter areas like Sierra Madre Boulevard, you should arrive no later than 6:00am on the morning of the parade. But it’s always best to get there earlier to avoid last-minute traffic delays, road closures and added stress.
2. Pack the Essentials
Be sure to pack whatever you want to carry with you in order to avoid inconveniences during the day. These are some fundamental requirements listed below:
- Seating: If you have not purchased reserved grandstand seats, 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 cool, but it does warm up during the later parts of the parade. Donning layered clothing will provide extra comfort.
3. Parking and Public Transportation
Finding a parking space anywhere near the parade route is difficult and must be reserved in advance. For Public Transportation you can take advantage of the Metro Gold Line which has several stops near the parade route, but substantial walking is still required to the parade route. Conversely, A la Carte Tours offers Rose Parade Tour Packages that include transport and everything else necessary for a relaxing, enjoyable and stress-free Parade Day.
Book a Rose Parade Tour with A la Carte Tours
If you want to have an easy way of witnessing the Rose Parade, then looking for tour packages from A la Carte Tours will be the best bet. They provide various Rose Parade Tour packages for different tastes and budgets.
Why Choose A la Carte Tours?
- Itinerary Planning: All the details of the event are pre-planned by A la Carte Tours and includes Reserved Premium Seating, along with hotel, tickets and transportion, so you can focus on enjoying the parade.
- Exclusive Access: There are also Tour Packages that come with a lot of extras, such as being able to go behind-the-scenes of where all the floral floats are being built prior to the parade.
- Travel Hosts and Expert Assistance: Any of their highly skilled travel hosts are there to assist you during your tour, 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.
Conclusion
The Rose Parade is undoubtedly a cherished event showcasing a vast amount of creativity, professional skills and elaborate designs. 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 Rose Parade in a more relaxed atmosphere or look for a more energetic setting should seriously consider booking a prearranged Rose Parade Tour. For a hassle-free experience, consider booking a Rose Parade Tour with A la Carte Tours. With their expert itinerary planning, the additional benefits and premium seats that are provided, you can enjoy the best New Year’s Day Celebration anywhere. Book now to secure your spot and get ready for an unforgettable day!
A la Carte Tours is noted as the Premier Rose Parade Tour provider and has spent decades creating and perfecting their Rose Parade Tours to accommodate the best elements for the Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl Game. Our curated experiences from the 3-Day/2-Night – Rose Parade Only Tour to the ever popular Ultimate 5-day/4-night Signature Tour Package offer a relaxed and well organized event that will please the entire family. With Optional Add-ons for the Rose Bowl Game, Mexico Cruises, Theme Parks, Las Vegas Getaway and Catalina Island options that will elevate your Rose Parade Holiday Experience to the next level of enjoyment.
Choose the package that lets you be present for the event, and not busy managing it from the sidelines. Book your Rose Bowl Parade Tour now with A la Carte Tours by calling 800.749.9342, or book online at [alacartetours.net]. The Ultimate New Year’s Day holiday is waiting for you and your family.