Rose Bowl Parade 2025: Your Complete Guide to the Best Day Ever

Experience the 2025 Rose Parade’s “Best Day Ever” theme with our comprehensive guide, designed to help you navigate every aspect of this iconic event, from transportation and tickets to finding the perfect viewing spot. While some 2025 specifics are still pending, we’ll keep this guide updated as new information emerges.

Quick Facts: Rose Parade 2025 at a Glance

Detail	Information
Date	January 1, 2025
Time	8:00 a.m. PST
Theme	“Best Day Ever”
Grand Marshal	Billie Jean King
Location	Pasadena, California
TV Coverage	Check local listings closer to the event

The Parade Route: Where the Magic Unfolds

The Rose Parade traditionally begins at the corner of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard. While the 2025 route isn’t officially confirmed, it’s likely to follow this classic path: north on Orange Grove, east onto Colorado Boulevard (the parade’s main stage), and finally north on Sierra Madre Boulevard, concluding at Villa Street. We recommend checking the official Tournament of Roses website closer to the event for the finalized route map.

Getting There: Navigating Pasadena on Parade Day

Let’s be upfront: driving to the Rose Parade is strongly discouraged. Parking is scarce, expensive, and traffic is a near-certainty. Public transportation is your best friend on this day.

Public Transportation: The Smartest Move

• Metro L Line (Gold Line): This is your easiest option. Stations like Del Mar, Memorial Park, Lake, and Allen are within walking distance of the route. Check the Metro website closer to the event for schedules and any parade-day service changes.
• Metrolink: Coming from further afield? Metrolink often offers special early morning service on parade day, connecting with the Metro L Line. Visit the Metrolink website for details.
• Metro Buses: Metro buses also serve the area, but be prepared for detours and schedule adjustments. Consult the Metro website for real-time updates.

Driving and Parking: Only If Absolutely Necessary

• Reserved Parking: If you must drive, pre-purchased parking is your best bet. Check the Tournament of Roses website closer to the event for authorized vendors and to reserve your spot. These sell out quickly.
• City Lots/Structures: Pasadena has public lots and structures, but they fill up extremely fast. Expect steep prices and pre-dawn arrival times. Check the City of Pasadena website closer to the event.
• Street Parking: Consider this a last resort and a long shot. Unless you arrive very early (possibly the day before), don’t count on it.

Tickets: Securing Your Spot

Grandstand Seating

Want guaranteed prime viewing? Grandstand tickets are the way to go. Sharp Seating is the official vendor. Check their website closer to the event for pricing, availability, and an interactive seat map that allows you to choose your perfect location and view.

Free Viewing: Staking Your Claim

Prefer a free experience? You can snag curbside spots along the route, but this requires serious dedication. Arrive very early – the night before or pre-dawn – to stake your claim. Popular spots disappear fast, especially with the “Best Day Ever” theme likely to draw large crowds.

Prime Free Viewing Locations (Based on Past Parades)

• Near the Start (Orange Grove and Colorado): Less crowded but potentially less exciting than further down the route.
• “TV Corner” (Colorado and Orange Grove): Prime viewing but expect very large crowds.

Accessibility: A “Best Day Ever” for Everyone

The Tournament of Roses works to ensure accessibility for all.

• Accessible Viewing Areas: Designated street-level areas are available along the route. Check the Tournament of Roses website for locations and any reservation procedures.
• Accessible Grandstand Seating: Limited wheelchair-accessible seating is usually available in the grandstands. Contact Sharp Seating directly well in advance to inquire and reserve.

Before and After the Parade: More Pasadena Fun

The Rose Parade is just the beginning!

• Floatfest: After the parade, get an up-close look at the incredible floats. Check the Tournament of Roses website for dates, times, and location.
• Explore Pasadena: Discover Old Town Pasadena, visit museums like the Norton Simon, or enjoy the city’s vibrant dining scene.

What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)

• Essentials: Folding chairs, blankets, snacks, water, sunscreen, hat, layers of clothing.
• Prohibited Items: Alcohol, umbrellas, large signs or banners. Check the Tournament of Roses website for a complete list of prohibited items.

Stay Updated

This guide will be updated as more 2025 Rose Parade information becomes available. Check back regularly and visit the official Tournament of Roses website for the latest news and announcements. Enjoy your “Best Day Ever”!