The parade
Sidewalk spots are free; grandstands are paid.
Rose Parade
Floats covered entirely in flowers roll through Pasadena every New Year's Day, followed by college football's Rose Bowl.
The Tournament of Roses has run since 1890. Crowds camp overnight on Colorado Boulevard to see the huge floral floats and marching bands.
See the floats up close for days afterward, and watch the Rose Bowl game at the stadium in the Arroyo.
- Best Time
- January
- Time Needed
- 1–2 days
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- January 1
- Getting There
- Pasadena is about 25 minutes from downtown Los Angeles on Metro's A Line.
What to See
1 of 3 are freeFloat decorating and viewing
See every petal close up, before and after the parade.
Rose Bowl Game
'The Granddaddy of Them All', at the 1922 stadium.
Know Before You Go
- When January 1 falls on a Sunday, it moves to January 2.
- Dress warmly: mornings are cold.
- Use Metro's A Line to avoid closures.
Where to Stay
Stay in Pasadena or downtown Los Angeles.
Where to Eat
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Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the California list.