This season, the Rose Bowl will be a College Football Playoff quarterfinal game set for New Year's Day. We don't yet know which teams will be playing, but it's never too early to start planning your trip.
The Rose Bowl is a beautiful and historic stadium located in Pasadena, California. One of the great things about the Rose Bowl is its scenic location in the California mountains and (hopefully) sunny skies. Many people tailgate around the Rose Bowl and park their cars in nearby parking lots or golf courses to enjoy the Southern California weather before kickoff.
The Los Angeles area is a huge metropolitan area with many attractions and things to see. Deciding how to make the most of your time can be difficult, but here are some must-see highlights.
what to do
The list of activities available to those traveling to Los Angeles for the Rose Bowl game is extensive, but here are just a few of the highlights.
First, one of the best parts of attending the Rose Bowl is the opportunity to watch the Tournament of Roses Parade, an annual parade held primarily along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California. The floats are decorated with plenty of flowers and greenery, giving them a unique and beautiful appearance.
Outside of the Rose Bowl, it would be a shame not to head to the coast to check out some cities along the Pacific Ocean. Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) through Venice, Santa Monica, and beautiful Malibu is always fun, especially on a sunny 70-degree day in Los Angeles.
To get a feel for the “Hollywood” side of Los Angeles, heading to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, checking out the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, and exploring Universal Studios are always solid choices.
Finally, check out the Hollywood sign on various hiking trails and get great views of the city from the Griffith Observatory.
For those interested in art, the Getty Center is a great museum with beautiful views. LACMA is also a popular choice.
where to eat
Simply put, you shouldn't leave Southern California without eating an In-N-Out Double Double or checking out your local taco truck. Friends of Eater We have a great guide to the best taco places around the city. Los Angeles is also known for great Jewish delis like Brent's, Art's, and Canter's.
If you're traveling to Malibu, be sure to try Malibu Seafood or Neptune's Net. These are famous Malibu establishments that have been seen on TV and in movies.
Other notable LA restaurants: Dan Tana's (Italian), Pink's Hot Dogs, and The Apple Pan (burgers).
where to stay
As you've probably heard, Los Angeles is a large area, with a lot of traffic, and public transportation options aren't always great. As mentioned above, part of the Rose Bowl experience is tailgating when the weather is nice. So, renting a car to enjoy the game and explore the LA area is probably the best choice. That being said, some great areas to stay include Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and even downtown Los Angeles if you want an authentic urban experience. Please allow enough time for traffic to arrive at the game on time.
