We will be attending the Rose Bowl parade this year and need suggestions - where to stay, how to get to the parade, what should we definitely plan to do? Thanks!

You should definitely plan to make your hotel reservation now. Hotels in the Pasadena area may already be completely booked up for the days around New Year's. In fact, I can almost guarantee it.

Parade information? Here's a good start:

http://www.tournamentofroses.com/current/parade.htm

Note that the city of Pasadena is a destination in itself-- you'll find lots to do. Great nightlife in Old Town, lots of history on its beautiful streets. You'll have a great time, if you can get anywhere near the place New Year's Eve/Day!

We have reservations in Pasasdena, but very pricey - would it be OK to stay at Sheraton Universal? How about transportation to the parade? Thanks for your help!

I would stay much closer than the Sheraton Universal because you'll have to get to Pasadena very early on New Year's Day. Do you have viewing seats for the parade? They often include parking.

If you stayed in downtown L.A., you could take the new metro train to Pasadena (assuming it's operating early enough that morning!). I'd go to the parade web site and peruse a map of the L.A. area before you decide on your hotel.

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There are so many questions. If you know where you will be watching the parade, whether grandstand seating or on the curb, would it be near your hotel? Perhaps the hotel would have a shuttle. In that case, then staying in Pasadena would be a definite advantage. Although it may be pricey, it could be less hassle. You can also participate in the pre and post parade events as well.

I haven't seen much in the way of information and/or scheduling of local transportation to the parade other than what is posted on the Tournament of Roses website.

I live in Pasadena. I would definitely stay right in the city or very nearby, not way out of town. Unless you enjoy camping out on the street all night to hold a spot, buy reserved tickets to the parade and reserved parking ahead of time. There is tons to do in Pasadena and late December is a beautiful time of year with none of the smog that plagues us in the summer. Some highlights in the area:

the Huntington Library and Gardens

shopping, restaurants, and nightlife in Old Town

the Gamble House

the Norton Simon museum (best art collection in LA according to many)

Descanso Gardens

all the pre and post parade festivities, such as float viewing, football demonstrations, band performances, etc.

You'll have a great time!

I would definitely buy reserved tickets to the parade and a parking spot. You have to get there early, but I think it's worthwhile. We've done it several times. It would be nice to get a place close to Pasadena, but we've never had any luck. Not a problem getting there from around LA, but just leave plenty of time.
[email protected] is the website to buy tickets and parking.

Thanks for the info! We got reserved seats for the parade, so won't be camping out! We were just undecided if we should pay the $$ for the Pasadena hotel or if Sheraton Universal was too far away!