The Tournament of Roses Parade is a premier event to kick off the New Year. Hundreds of thousands of people line the 5.5-mile parade route in Pasadena to enjoy the spectacle of marching bands, equestrian units and beautiful floats. It always looks so crowded along the parade route, but it's really very easy to watch the parade in person without spending the night on the parade route, nor do you have to spend any money or extra time.
Instructions
In The Days Leading To The Parade
1. Consult a map of the parade route, either by purchasing a souvenir program, reading a local newspaper (such as the Pasadena Star News) or going online (see Resources). A quality map will not only show the route but will list times the parade will reach an intersection.
2. Choose where to watch the parade. The further west you go, the closer to the parade's start you are, and earlier you will have to be there. But it also is where you will see fresher horses and band marchers and where you will see more of the float animation. The television area, at the corner of Orange Grove Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, is all grandstand and therefore off limits. That also is the only area where all bands are guaranteed to play, so don't choose to watch in spots right after that, such as near the freeway overpass, between St. John and Pasadena avenues. Also, don't watch near the freeway underpass on Sierra Madre Boulevard because the tallest floats must bend to fit under the freeway, so you'll miss the full dramatic effect of the float. Best bets are on Colorado near major cross streets like Raymond, Fair Oaks, Marengo, Los Robles, Lake, Hill, Allen and Craig avenues or the intersection of Colorado and Sierra Madre. Also, watch the parade on the south side of Colorado or the east side of Sierra Madre because that's the side the television cameras are on back at the start of the parade route. Floats are designed with television in mind, so aspects will tilt toward that side of the street. It's also where celebrities will sit and face.
3. Choose where to park. The further you park from the parade route, the better you'll be. You'll also have to walk, but there won't be as much traffic when it's time to leave. Best bets are along or near Orange Grove Boulevard to the north and California Boulevard to the south.
Parade Day
4. Stretch your body. If you don't bring a chair, expect to stand for a minimum of two hours. Make sure you are in shape.
5. Wear layers of clothing and comfortable shoes. It's cold in Pasadena, but the sun comes out on the south side of the street. Layers allow you to remain more comfortable.
6. Arrive at the parking spot no later than 30 to 45 minutes before the parade is scheduled to reach the intersection you have chosen to watch.
7. At the intersection, find a spot. The corners are usually more crowded, so walk up or down the street until you find a place where you can easily see the street without obstructions. A good place is near a grandstand because bands are more likely to play in front of them. If you brought a chair, place it down and enjoy the parade.
8. Stretch occasionally during gaps in the parade. There aren't supposed to be any breaks, but inevitably some float will break down or some horse or band marcher will tire and there will suddenly be a space between entries.
9. When you need to, break out with the snacks and water. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich, chips, fruit, carrots and candy are ideal because you can carry them in your pockets.
