If you are planning to attend the Rose Bowl Parade on your own, you may be wondering where to park your car. Manipulating the multiple challenges of traveling independantly can be very frustrating, and parking is just one of them. The closure of streets along the parade route to congested traffic and limited parking availability can pose parking confusion.
However, there are some options available for you to find a spot for your vehicle and enjoy the parade. In this article, we will provide you with some tips and information on where to park for the Rose Bowl Parade. Please be aware that the Tournament of Roses Parade starts at exactly 8:00am PST on parade day.
Parking Options for the Rose Parade
There are different types of parking options for the Rose Parade, depending on your preferences, budget, and convenience. Here are some of the main categories of parking options:
Official Rose Parade Parking
Reserved parking at various locations along the Rose Parade route for automobiles, buses and recreational vehicles is available for purchase through Sharp Seating Company (626) 795-4171 – Colorado Boulevard Parking (858) 692-0868 or (949) 295-6537 – City of Pasadena (626) 744-6470 – LAZ Parking (626) 578-1705 – Easy Parking Services (626) 286-7576 – AP Parking (858) 692-0868.
However, they are also limited in number and sell out quickly. You need to purchase your parking tickets in advance from these organizations. The prices range from $50 to $140 per standard car, and $250 to $700 for oversize vehicles, depending on the location.
Shuttle Bus Parking
These are parking lots for standard cars that are located far away from the parade route, but offer free shuttle bus service to and from the various areas along the parade route. These parking spaces are ideal for those who want to avoid traffic congestion and save money on parking fees. Please be aware that the Rose Parade route is 5 1/2 miles long from start to finish.
However, they may also require longer walking distances and waiting times for the shuttle buses. You can find these parking lots at Pasadena City College, Rose Bowl Stadium, and other locations. You don’t need to pre-book parking tickets for these locations, but you must make a cash payment upon arrival, credit or debit cards are not accepted at these locations. To take advantage of these parking areas, you need to arrive at least 2-3 hours prior to the start of the parade. The prices range from $40 to $70 per car.
Street Parking
These are parking spaces that are available on the public streets along or near the parade route. These parking spaces are free of charge, but they are also very limited and usually are taken up by the day prior to the parade. Since spectators are allowed to secure standing space along the parade route starting at 12:00pm on December 31st.
However, if there are parking spaces still available you need to arrive very early, usually before 2-3am, to find a spot and secure it with your car. You must also adhere to the parking regulations and posted signage, as the parade may close or restrict some streets. You may also face extreme traffic delays and difficulties when leaving these areas after the parade. There is NO free standing or parking spaces near or at the start of the parade.
Tips and Advice for Parking for the Rose Parade
Parking for the Rose Bowl Parade can be a challenging and stressful experience, especially if you are not familiar with the area or the event. Here are some tips and advice to help you park for the parade more easily and safely:
Plan ahead
Before you go to the parade, you should plan your parking strategy in advance. You should decide which type of parking option suits you best, and purchase or reserve your parking tickets in advance if possible, usually 2-3 months prior to the event.
You should also check the traffic conditions and road closures on the day of the parade, because they change frequently and without notice. So plan your route accordingly, and prepare yourself for constantly changing road closures. You may use online tools such as Google Maps or Waze to help you navigate the area, but they aren’t usually updated in a timely manner, so be prepared for some confusion.
Arrive early
The Rose Parade attracts over 700,000+ spectators every year, which means that parking spaces fill up quickly and traffic jams occur frequently. To avoid these problems, you should arrive at your parking location as early as possible, preferably no later than 5 a.m.
This will give you enough time to find your spot, park your car, and walk to your viewing area. Keep in mind that spectators without reserved grandstand seating are allowed to start securing their spot along the 5 1/2 mile long parade route starting at 12:00pm the DAY PRIOR to the parade. Finding a good viewing spot on the day of the parade will be very challenging and certainly difficult.
Be prepared
When parking for the parade, be prepared for various situations including frequent and unexpected road closures that may arise. You should bring enough cash to pay for your parking fees, as most parking lots do not accept credit or debit cards or online payments.
To ensure your comfort during the extended wait for the parade, we recommend bringing warm clothing, blankets, snacks, water, and other necessary items. You should also have your phone fully charged and have a backup plan in case of emergencies or changes in plans.
Be respectful
When you park for the parade, you should be respectful of other people and property. You should follow the posted parking rules and regulations, avoid blocking drive ways or alleys, and not park in illegal or unauthorized areas.
You should also respect the residents and businesses in the area, and not litter or damage their property. You are expected to exhibit courtesy and friendliness towards fellow spectators and drivers, and you are asked to refrain from causing any disruptions or disturbances.
Make Your Rose Parade Dream Come True
If you love flowers, music, and sports, you will love the Tournament of Rose Parade. It is a spectacular event that showcases the most beautiful and creative floral floats, marching bands, and equestrian units. The Rose Bowl Game, one of the most exciting and prestigious college football games in the country, also immediately follows the parade.
But how can you make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience? The answer is simple: book your Rose Parade Tour and Rose Bowl Game Packages with A la Carte Tours. A la Carte Tours is the leading provider of Rose Bowl Parade Tours that will take care of everything for you.
A la Carte Tours 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. Their 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 enhance your Rose Parade Holiday Experience to the next level of enjoyment.
No matter which tour option you choose, you will enjoy the best service and quality from A la Carte Tours. You will have professional guides, comfortable coaches, friendly staff, and knowledgeable experts to assist you throughout your tour. You will also have fun and memorable experiences with your family and friends without the challenges or frustration of planing the event on your own.
Don’t wait any longer. Book your Rose Parade Tour Package with A la Carte Tours today by calling 800.749.9342, or reserve online at alacartetours.net. You will not regret it. A la Carte Tours will make your dream holiday getaway come true.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I park for the Rose Parade?
There are different parking options for the Rose Parade, including official Rose Parade parking lots, shuttle bus parking lots, and street parking along the parade route.
How much does parking for the Rose Parade cost?
Parking prices for the parade vary depending on the location and type of parking. Official Rose Parade parking ranges from $50 to $140 per standard car some with shuttle bus, alternatel parking is usually $40 to $70 per standard car, and street parking is free but is extremely limited the DAY PRIOR to the parade. Free parking is impossible to find on the day of the parade.
Do I need to reserve parking in advance?
Official Parade parking spaces require advance purchase of parking tickets from the official providers listed above. However, shuttle bus parking and street parking do not require advance reservations, but is very limited on parade day.
What time should I arrive to find parking for the Rose Parade?
To secure a parking spot for this event, we recommend arriving early, preferably before 4 a.m. This will give you enough time to find a spot, park your car, and walk to your viewing area. Please be aware that you may have a long walk to your spot along the 5 1/2 mile parade route.
What should I bring when parking for the Rose Parade?
We recommend bringing sufficient cash when parking for the Rose Parade, as certain lots may not accept credit or debit card payments. It is also advisable to pack warm attire, blankets, snacks, water, and other necessary items in order to remain comfortable while waiting. Additionally, make sure to fully charge your phone and have a contingency plan in case of emergencies or alterations to the schedule.