Watching in person

The extensive TV coverage of the Rose Parade is wonderful, yet there’s nothing quite like being there in person to experience the full scale and sentiment of the parade as it winds down Colorado Boulevard.

As with most major events, a little planning goes a long way to maximizing your enjoyment of the parade, so with the help of Janet Zaldua, director of tourism and communications for the Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau, we answer these frequently asked questions.

When should I arrive?

The Rose Parade starts at 8 a.m. on Jan. 1 and lasts around two hours. If you plan on camping overnight to ensure a prime spot, do not arrive before noon on Dec. 31, as curbside camping is not allowed before this point. “If you have grandstand seats, you should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the parade,” said Zaldua.

Where should I stand?

If you are a spectator along the route, the best viewing spot is east of Allen Avenue on Colorado Boulevard — this area is less congested, according to Zaldua.

Where shouldn’t I stand?

There are no public viewing areas on Orange Grove Boulevard from Del Rosa Drive to Colorado Boulevard and on Colorado Boulevard from Orange Grove Boulevard to Terrace Drive.

Where are the best places to park?

Planning ahead really pays off with Rose Parade parking — waiting until you arrive on the day can result in a frustrating search for a spot. For parking reservations (for cars and RVs), contact Sharp Seating Co. at 626.795.4171 or visit www.SharpSeating.com. The city of Pasadena will allow overnight parking on local streets beginning at noon on Dec.31 (all “no parking” areas and red curb zones remain off-limits). There is no parking allowed on the parade route.

What should I wear and bring?

“It’s best to dress in layers,” said Zaldua. “Bring a jacket, comfortable shoes, gloves and a scarf. It can be cold in the early morning at the start of the parade. Chances are it will warm up and you’ll want to take some of the layers off....You may want to bring a thermos of hot cocoa or coffee or bottled water and some snacks to munch on during the parade.” And, of course, take a camera to capture your day (and for those vital Facebook shots!).

Is anything not allowed?

Grandstand ticket holders may not bring coolers, backpacks or large bags. No animals except for seeing-eye dogs are permitted along the parade route. There is a curfew in effect for children under 18 years of age from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. A guardian must be present.
“If you are camping on the street overnight, you are not allowed to bring upholstered chairs, couches, boxes, scaffolds, tents, horns, ladders or freestanding umbrellas — they will be confiscated,” Zaldua said. “Folding chairs are acceptable. No alcohol of any kind is allowed on the parade route.”

Where can I eat nearby on New Year’s Day?

Be aware that many restaurants are closed on New Year’s Day and others open later than usual. For a list of eateries that will be open during the parade, go to www.VisitPasadena.com or call the Visitor Hotline listed below.

Where can I get great photos of the floats?

Photography is permitted all along the parade route, though spectators are not allowed to run into the street to take pictures. If you really want to capture the floats close-up, attend the post-parade viewings on Jan. 1 and 2 at the end of the parade route on Sierra Madre Boulevard. Admission is $10 and free for children age 5 and under.

Where can I get more information?

Call the Visitor Hotline at 877.793.9911 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 29; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 30; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 31; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 1; and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 2.

You can ask questions via Facebook on the Pasadena Visitor Hotline Facebook page or text “Rose” followed by your question to 50649.

Alternatively, log on to the Visitor Hotline Mobile Site from your cellphone at VisitPasadena.mobi, or download the Visitor Hotline Guidebook from www.VisitPasadena.com.