Sight Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena
Rose Parade
A sight in Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, free to visit and worth about 2.5 hours. Best time to go: From 8 am Jan 1.
Why go
The Tournament of Roses parade of flower-covered floats, bands and horses, held on Colorado Boulevard since 1890.
It is one of 8 curated places we feature in Pasadena, alongside 2 activities, 2 places to eat and 1 outdoor spot. 2 more of our picks sit within about half a mile in a straight line, so it pairs easily with Colorado Street Bridge and Old Pasadena.
- Type
- Sight
- Neighborhood
- Colorado Boulevard
- Price
- Free
- Time needed
- 2.5 hr
- Best time
- From 8 am Jan 1
Nearby
The 6 closest curated picks in Pasadena, measured as straight-line distance.
- 1Colorado Street Bridge
Curved 1913 concrete arch bridge over the Arroyo Seco, with a walking path along the stream bed below.
Outdoors · 0.3 mi straight-line - 2Old Pasadena
Blocks of restored brick buildings and alleys along Colorado Boulevard, with shops, cafes and bars.
Shopping · 0.5 mi straight-line - 3Pasadena City Hall
Domed 1927 Spanish Revival city hall with a fountain courtyard open to visitors.
Sight · 0.9 mi straight-line - 4Rose Bowl Stadium
The 1922 stadium in the Arroyo Seco that hosts the Rose Bowl Game, a College Football Playoff game, on Jan 1.
Activity · 1.1 mi straight-line - 5The Raymond 1886
Seasonal American cooking in the former caretaker's cottage of the vanished Raymond Hotel, with a garden patio.
Food · 1.6 mi straight-line - 6Pie 'n Burger
Counter diner near Caltech since 1963, known for griddled burgers, pancakes and fruit pies by the slice.
Food · 1.7 mi straight-line
On these curated routes
Rose Parade is a stop on our Los Angeles New Year's Eve route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.
More to do in Pasadena
Rose Parade is our only sight pick in Pasadena; here is what else we recommend there. See the full Pasadena guide.
When to go
Average daily highs in Pasadena run from 64°F in December to 88°F in August; February is usually the wettest month. For Rose Parade itself, we suggest: From 8 am Jan 1.
Modelled monthly averages for Pasadena from NASA POWER, not a forecast. Full Pasadena weather by month.
Getting there
Map links open a live search for Rose Parade, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.
- Coordinates
- 34.14637, -118.15926
- Destination
- Pasadena, California
- Website
- tournamentofroses.com
Rose Parade: quick answers
How much time do you need at Rose Parade?
Plan on about 2.5 hours at Rose Parade. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.
When is the best time to visit Rose Parade?
Our pick: From 8 am Jan 1. Insider tip: The turn at Orange Grove and Colorado, where TV cameras sit, is the most crowded; east of Lake Avenue is calmer.
Is Rose Parade free?
Yes, we list Rose Parade as free to visit. Check the official website before you go, since special exhibits, parking or tours can carry a fee.
Which TripsCircle routes include Rose Parade?
Rose Parade appears on Los Angeles New Year's Eve, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.
Add Rose Parade to your crew's plan
Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to Pasadena.
Plan Pasadena
- Pasadena travel guide 8 places
- Best time to visit Pasadena weather by month
- Downtown Los Angeles to Pasadena 8.6 mi straight-line
Lists & regions
Also in Pasadena
- Floatfest Activity
Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.