What to do before the game in Pasadena?
So, local folks - any recommendations for what to do on gameday in the Glendale/Pasadena area? I like to eat and drink, so what are some good ideas. I was thinking brunch then an early dinner on gameday. Any other interesting suggestions of things to do?
December 6th, 2023 at 11:46 AM ^
I hear there's a lovely, can't miss parade that day.
December 6th, 2023 at 12:52 PM ^
There are a few other comments about the parade in this chat. My family usually attended the Rose Parade if M wasn't playing in the game. It is very difficult to do both unless you're on a tour so sitting near the start of the parade and then escorted into the stadium area. If you aren't on a tour and you like the challenge of doing both, you must get a grandstand ticket in the TV area at the start of the parade (Orange Grove Ave., Pasadena Blvd.). Time is of the essence! You will need to arrive very early, say 6 am, though the parade starts at 8. It will be cold then too! But the Chamber of Commerce will produce the sun and the game will be 60 to 70 deg (or even more) so be prepared with layers to remove.
Traffic is very difficult, especially after the parade and in the RB area. Thankfully the game doesn't start until 2 (PST). As others have said elsewhere, the best idea for the game is to get there early, park on the golf course (as long as it's open and not wet), then tailgate and celebrate the day. This is a game that everyone should attend at least once, win or (hope not) lose.
In spite of my comments to the contrary, rest assured that seeing the parade in person is comparable to witnessing the eighth wonder of the world. The engineering, design, and effort that goes into each and every float is unknown to mankind. Much better in person than on TV.
December 6th, 2023 at 1:06 PM ^
Been to a Bunch of the Rose Bowl Parades Its always been a highlight of our Rose Bowls..We go to a Target or Walmart buy cheap folding chairs get there early..( It can be COLD in the pre dawn Pasadena on Jan 1 so bundle up then find a place to park..never had a problem with that. stake out your spot and Sit..I recommend a thermos of Coffee a shot or four of Bourbon and just sit back and enjoy it and soak it all in and when that UM Marching band approaches the place will go Crazy!!
December 6th, 2023 at 1:22 PM ^
I've been to a couple of Rose Bowls and gotten to the game with plenty of time. Perhaps we just got lucky. The parade is from 8-10 AM PST.
As Xgojim noted, the parade is an event that shouldn't be missed. Get there early and dress warmly as it is often quite chilly in the morning that time of year.
Here's a link to the Rose Bowl Parade and then some:
December 6th, 2023 at 1:29 PM ^
We are staying in Highland Park and bought grandstand tickets at Colorado and Garfield. Do we need to show up extra early or can we schedule ourselves to arrive at 8?
We don't have a car but we could uber. Google says 9-18 minutes driving but I have heard about the traffic being bad so another option would be to walk to the metro and take the metro to Memorial Park. I guess what I'm trying to understand is whether we can just take the metro and walk to our seats or whether we should anticipate insane lines to get anywhere, even with grandstand seating.
Once the parade is over--is it pretty easy to get to the Rose Bowl and tailgating area? If the parade is done around 10 or 10:30, that gives us a solid couple of hours before we have to go to the stadium. If we can't get a shuttle or something, I don't think two miles would be too bad to walk.
December 6th, 2023 at 1:52 PM ^
You need to arrive well before the parade. We had VIP parking both times and that helped but I would recommend 6:30 to 7 at the latest and 7 might be pushing your luck. The place is packed with lots of people spending the night to get a good seat. No idea about other forms of transportation but I'd bet that Uber won't be easy or inexpensive.
We had very good grandstand viewing and it helps a ton to be elevated. As I mentioned in another post, dress warmly as it is cold. We have also been lucky in that we got to the parade shortly after 6 both times we were there and found restaurants where we could get breakfast.
As I also mentioned in a previous post, we had no trouble getting to the game with plenty of time and parked on the golf course. We left directly after the parade for the game.
December 6th, 2023 at 4:12 PM ^
I've been to the Rose Bowl twice and each time saw the parade before the game. If you have never seen it, there is no better time than when you are going to the game afterwards.
The first time I was on the student tour and the bus left early in the morning. I can't remember how early. It dropped us off by Orange Grove Avenue (that is near the beginning) - it turns onto Colorado Boulevard afterwards. We found a spot on the street and went to the Game afterwards. I can't remember how we got there.
The second time I took a car. We left LA very early. I want to say somewhere between 2 and 3 but I can't remember for sure. We went and parked the car as close to the stadium as we could find a free spot and walked down and found a spot on the street on Orange Grove Avenue. We walked to the stadium after the parade and had a picnic type lunch on the grounds outside the stadium. The area is very picturesque. There was plenty of time between the parade and the Game. The worst part was I was so tired afterwards I think I fell asleep as soon as got back.
Now that I am a lot older I would see if I could find a reserved grandstand seat for the parade. Closer to the beginning of the route. If the public transit is running I'd problem take that so I wouldn't have to deal with traffic or parking.
Have a great time and Go Blue!
December 6th, 2023 at 2:12 PM ^
I was there a loooong time ago (93 Rose Bowl when Wheatley went off against Washington - Yess! :^)
I was on foot with friends who lived in Pasadena. In order to get good (free) seats on the street, we "camped out" on the parade route literally over night (took turns) just around the corner and block from some Grandstands. It *was* cold! But sat right on the curb for the show in the morning. Great views - especially watching the large floats navigate onto our street.
But what I remember the most was the crazy atmosphere, ambiance, and theatrics the whole *night* while we camped out. People were doing strange and funny things out in the street (i.e. parade route) most of the night. Very entertaining, interesting, and...weird!
My friends dropped me off at the stadium and picked me up at the end. I recall the stadium was in a canyon that felt a bit out in the middle of nowhere (but I was not driving so that was just my pedestrian impression).
December 6th, 2023 at 4:14 PM ^
I forgot about that - it was very cold before dawn. I was glad I had a winter coat. Weather varies year to year but cold nights and warm days is normal that time of year. We did not need the coat when the game started but it can get cold in the shadows before the game is over.
December 6th, 2023 at 4:15 PM ^
One other thing. The floats are so much better in person than they are on TV. TV doesn't do them justice.
December 6th, 2023 at 6:51 PM ^
Wish I had gone to the parade the last time
December 6th, 2023 at 11:48 AM ^
Mini Kabob—one of the best restaurants in LA, trust me
December 6th, 2023 at 11:52 AM ^
When I was there 20 years ago, there was an amazing and huge outdoor brunch, I believe sponsored by the Alumni Association.
December 6th, 2023 at 11:53 AM ^
Went to the game for the 1997 team and game versus Wash State, so maybe it is more commercialized now and your mileage may vary.
Had a great time - but...
1. It is very cold on parade morning. Layer up.
2. If you really LOVE parades then go, but be ready to shell out money for a grandstand seat. You might have a better time watching it on TV.
3. Most bands just trudge by and don't play unless it is at a TV spot.
4. If floats are your thing, it can be fun but you want a good location.
5. Be prepared for a lot of horse groups - it seems like everyone who is a member of a horse group was parading by.
6. Food options at the parade are limited - if you see a hot dog or hot chocolate vendor, strike and pick up a bunch for your crew otherwise they'll be sold out.
December 6th, 2023 at 11:55 AM ^
Divert the Alabama Defense's bus to Levi's Stadium?
December 6th, 2023 at 12:03 PM ^
SoFi would probably be just as effective without sending them north.
December 6th, 2023 at 11:59 AM ^
Rose Parade.
December 6th, 2023 at 12:00 PM ^
Do yourself a favor: go to the Rose Parade. We went to the 1990 Rose Bowl and watched the parade. I think it is a great bucket list thing to do if you are lucky enough to see the Wolverines play in Pasadena. I wish I could go this year.
I'd suggest getting seats toward the beginning of the parade route. The parade ends there earlier, obviously, and it is closer to the Rose Bowl. We were younger in 1990 and paid less to sit further east along Colorado Blvd. It was fine, except it was a long walk and we missed half of the 1st quarter.
December 6th, 2023 at 12:02 PM ^
Rick's Drive In in Glendale for burgers.
December 6th, 2023 at 12:06 PM ^
We went to the pier in Santa Monica because the beach is always a good time.
December 6th, 2023 at 12:09 PM ^
What about after the game? Wife and I are staying until the morning of the 3rd so we have a full day to venture around after the games over.
December 6th, 2023 at 12:41 PM ^
Depends on your taste for fun and (hopefully) sun. Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm aren't far, nor is Universal City, etc., in the other direction. I visited California every year from 1963 to 2009 at Christmas/New Year's time (parents) and found that the sun shone on Pasadena every year except for several. In fact, it's not unusual for it to be 70+ deg (though truly coolish in the morn). But the day before and the day after may be rainy or cool. Look it up!!
December 6th, 2023 at 6:31 PM ^
Wearing my 2006 Rose Parade shirt today. Don’t believe them if they say it never rains on the parade. My dead camera says otherwise. Grandstand seats are highly recommended. Going to the Decorating Places days before the parade was cool to see a few floats being worked on. If you’re into the bands, they perform on a field a few days before the parade at Pasadena Community College.
if you’re not going best parade coverage is on RFD TV
And just discovered half time of the game they are inducting Herbie into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame as he passes Keith Jackson for the most times calling the game on TV. Maybe Keith can take the title back next week.
if you register on the Tournament of Roses parade or buy merch, you too can still be getting emails from them 18 years from now…
December 6th, 2023 at 12:48 PM ^
One of the things that seemed weird to me on my first Rose Bowl trip (growing up a Michigan kid who just thought Winter = shitty and California was a giant city [oversimplified but you get the idea]) was that you could do literally anything. We went to Santa Monica beach one day, we went skiing one day, and if you're outdoorsy people there is tons of amazing hiking starting literally at the edge of town where those canyons begin. As someone who loves hiking the latter was probably my favorite and more of that would be my personal choice.
December 6th, 2023 at 12:59 PM ^
Well said!
I live in the area and there is world-class National Park level hiking (for all abilities), starting 10 - 20 mins from the Rose Bowl. My brother is coming down for the game and I plan to take him the next day on the Dawn Mine-Sunset Ridge Trail. I also recommend Millard Creek Waterfall trail - very easy trail for kids with big payoff - and Switzer Falls Trail for those more adventurous. For people with mobility issues, the Gould Mesa trail starting at JPL/ Hahamonga is paved for the first mile or two and really lovely. You can find more details on all of these on the free AllTrails app.
For anyone outdoorsy, I HIGHLY recommend hiking in L.A. over the more tourist-y options. The mountains here are pretty incredible and are amazingly easy to reach.
December 6th, 2023 at 1:06 PM ^
I'm looking forward to doing just that in a few weeks if all goes well.
December 6th, 2023 at 1:31 PM ^
+1 All great hikes very near Pasadena. I've seen bears up there! Rattlesnakes too, but January isn't really rattlesnake season (they're considerably less active in the cold season. Besides: neither the snakes nor the bears really want to bother humans)
Eaton Canyon Falls is also nearby and would show up if someone is google searching "Pasadena area hikes". It's a decent enough hike, but I would NOT recommend that one, it's just way too crowded.
December 6th, 2023 at 3:16 PM ^
The Getty is amazing
Santa Monica area (Beaches, restaurants)
Museum scene is good too
December 6th, 2023 at 12:09 PM ^
Chase carjackers?
December 6th, 2023 at 12:12 PM ^
Tailgate on the golf course. Get there real early and bring lots of stuff to eat and drink. Plenty of nice people to socialize with and then a short walk to the stadium.
December 6th, 2023 at 1:16 PM ^
Surprised to see this, the only correct answer, so far down the list of responses.
Tailgate on the golf course!!!
December 6th, 2023 at 2:25 PM ^
Seriously has no one else been to the rose bowl? Fuck the parade get to the game 4 hours early with enough booze to drown in and tailgate.
December 6th, 2023 at 3:17 PM ^
Is 4 hours early enough? We are coming from Downtown LA, trying to decide what time to get to the golf course. Bought a pass in advance so we got that part done, just trying to figure out what to do with arrival times.
December 6th, 2023 at 9:48 PM ^
Hello Dan. I suppose but you'll be right in the middle of the Rose Parade so you will be after everybody that is going to the game that decided to go park at the golf course and then go to the parade. Think way early tailgaters at Michigan. This is twice that.
December 6th, 2023 at 11:38 PM ^
Alright, Lee.. lol..
So, just stay in eastern time and wake up at 4 then? :)
You going? Me and another State and Granger parking crew member are gonna be out there!
December 6th, 2023 at 12:13 PM ^
Join the MMB and get a police escort and In-n-Out Burgers after the parade!
December 6th, 2023 at 12:42 PM ^
In-n-Out burgers.. a fantastic recommendation.
December 6th, 2023 at 12:24 PM ^
I'd say restaurant recommendations on MGoBlog are all over the place in value. (I can already see it here.) You'll have people suggesting that you wait in line for two hours at D.J. Pickleshitters just to try the possum fajitas.
December 6th, 2023 at 12:59 PM ^
If the pickles are coming out undigested, whoever it is needs a gastroenterologist far more than a trip to Pasadena, I am afraid....
December 6th, 2023 at 9:00 PM ^
I sent this threat to my wife (also an Michigan alum). If she was on MGoBlog, she would have given you a thumbs up for this comment. DJ Pickleshitters is now going to be in our running jokes.
December 6th, 2023 at 12:27 PM ^
Have your own personal Beef Bowl at Lawry's.
December 6th, 2023 at 12:31 PM ^
Yo Ypsituckyboy,
If you can get a takeout from one of the places others are recommending and get to the Rose Bowl early. You don't want to spend 45 minutes to a hour driving the last windy half mile in to the Rose Bowl. And bring a six pack with you if you don't relish $15 beers.
Not sure about the early dinner. By the time the game finishes, awards are given out (if we win and you hang around) and the one hour drive out it won't be early.
PS I lived in the old Firehouse on Cross Street for two years back in the day. Took the fire pole down every day.
December 6th, 2023 at 12:32 PM ^
GameDay should be all about the game (IMO) --- make a full day of it.
E.g., --- (1) do the parade, (2) then walk over, (3) the Rose Bowl has one of those "fan experience tailgates" on the North side of the stadium pre-game, (4) watch the game, and (5) don't be in too much of a hurry to leave either. On the post-game: traffic will suck for 1-2 hours post-game anyway, if U-M wins there will be all kinds of fellow fans in a partying mood and happy to invite you to their post-game tailgate, and if nothing else, there will be 100 different cart vendors selling those delicious bacon-wrapped hot dogs* - I never see them anywhere else but they're a staple in LA.
As for food on the day before or after --- I don't know your food preferences, but Glendale has all kinds of options. Overall, I think Glendale has a better vibe and more food diversity than Pasadena.
----
* e.g., "Danger Dogs" --- admittedly, the title isn't completely unmerited.
December 6th, 2023 at 12:36 PM ^
I went to the 2007 game and I can tell you what not to do during the game. Don't run zone left 4,000 times in the first half and then not make any halftime adjustments and run zone left 4,000 more times in the second half.
Love you Lloyd!
xoxo
December 6th, 2023 at 12:42 PM ^
Pie n' Burger in Pasadena. It has pies and burgers.
December 6th, 2023 at 12:44 PM ^
Old Towne pub
December 6th, 2023 at 12:47 PM ^
December 6th, 2023 at 12:51 PM ^
"World Famous" (gigantic) breakfast burritos as Lucky Boys on Arroyo Pkwy.
https://la.eater.com/2017/7/28/16059122/los-angeles-breakfast-burrito-lucky-boy-pasadena-elements
Despite this headline, it's very much a local spot and not a scene.