See the Tournament of Roses Parade in person

Watching it on TV is a little less boring, as you get to skip all the pauses and float malfunctions and standstills. Parades are kind of strange that way. If you find a spot along the parade route where you can edge to the front, kids run up and pick the roses off the floats (a little vial of water is attached to them so the roses don’t wilt before the floats make their grand debut) and then you’ll have a souvenir. The atmosphere is pretty uplifting as it’s New Year’s Day and everyone is still celebrating from the night before. I’ve even gotten to decorate the floats in years past.

Well, a couple of former members of Van Halen, to be exact.

This was when she was in seminary.

She had imbibed a few too many gin & tonics the night before…and the parade route (at least where they were standing) was lined with Christmas trees, which smelled like gin to her, which made her feel like puking (again).

I really want to go, but I won’t be suffering from a hangover when I do :D

I’ve kinda wanted to see it in person for a good while now. I did this somewhat on impulse because I would be in the area anyway; the plan I attempted ended up working out exactly. There’s tons of paid parking around the parade route that’s open early. I got there around 4 and had a snooze in the parking garage, after spending New Year’s Eve at Disneyland. I was just past that first big hill. It was in the shadow of a building, so the floats didn’t appear quite as vivid as they would have in sunlight. I still got a lot of decent pictures.

If you’re cool with a “back row” standing spot, be on the route at least a couple hours early. If you want, there are many grandstands along the route for which tickets are sold. They top out around the $90’s. Presumably the good ones near the corner where the parade is on TV sell out ahead of time. These will help:
http://www.tournamentofroses.com/
http://www.sharpseating.com/
Tip: if you drive there, consider hanging out a couple hours afterward before leaving. Traffic is extremely bad otherwise.

Will I do it next year? Maybe; for sure if I’m in the area. It’s neat to see it in person first, then watch it recorded at home afterward.

And very easy. Friends came from out of town, and they not only did all the footwork, they bought the tickets. It was a great way to spend time with them on their visit.

The floats are really amazing in person. Going to see them close up either before or after the parade is well worth it too!

No comparison with watching it on TV and actually being there.

If I had the money I’d do it this way

It was great! I am exhausted and will probably pass out in 5 minutes but definitely worth doing. I had a sober new years in preparation and was up all night, but we had front row seats. Definitely do it – it’s something you only need to do once!.