San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade
 

We will be in San Diego from Dec. 26-Jan. 1 and I found out about this parade. I see that I can buy tickets for grandstand seats, is that worth it, or is it better to find a spot somewhere else down the parade route? Anyone know the parade route? Anyone been? We have 3 young kids and I thought they would really enjoy this. Anything anyone can contribute would help, thanks!

Hi vegasnative..
Never been but have seen it on TV and it looks like a good time is had by all ages and it is either before or after the Holiday Bowl..this would great for the kids and the parade is free..how much are grandstand seats? Parking is going to be a bear so get there early..you will have alot of fun..where are you staying and I suggest going to the Hotel Del Coronado for the gorgeous holiday decorations..you can take a water taxi from seaport village to Coronado and then cab it to and from the Hotel Del..
Whale Watching will be going on during that time too....let us know if we all can help you have a wonderful time in SD!
www.sdhe.com
www.hoteldel.com

I'm not sure if it is going the same route as three years ago, but if it goes along N Harbor drive, there is a nice grassy area about two blocks before south end of the street. I think it is in front of a federal building of some sort (Coast Guard??). the floats turn East on the next corner.

No need to buy tickets on the grandstand, you'll be on the curb here, plus the kids can run around while waiting. Take blankets to sit on.

Oops hit send too soon....

We were staying in Coronado, so we took the foot ferry over and turned right (south) as we left the boat. Eliminated the parking problems.

lcuy & TahitiTams~thanks for the info. We live in Vegas and have a travel trailer, so we are bringing that with us for this trip and will be staying at the KOA Chula Vista Resort. My friend told me about the hornblower cruise so I checked that out and saw that this IS the time for the whale watching cruise, so I am thinking I may do that. The only info I have found for the parade route is it is on N. Harbor, so I think I will try to scope out that grassy area that lcuy mentions. We will also have to try the Hotel Del Coronado for the decorations, the boys will like that. Thanks for all the info!