A Pasadena day trip from the LAX area can center on the Rose Parade, an annual event that travels through the city along a route that includes Colorado Boulevard. Metro’s A Line stops in Pasadena, while the LAX/Metro Transit Center connects with the C Line, K Line and several bus routes.
- Parade pattern: Held on January 1 each year, starting at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time.
- Route length: 5.5 miles, ending at Villa Street.
- Pasadena A Line stops: Sierra Madre Villa and Memorial Park.
- Regular Metro fare: $1.75, with free transfers within two hours when you tap to ride.
Getting to Pasadena from the LAX area
Metro’s A Line serves Pasadena, and its LAX/Metro Transit Center connects to the C Line, K Line and several bus routes. For LAX, Metro’s routes include the C Line and K Line to the transit center, as well as bus lines 102, 111, 117, 120 and 232.
A free, frequent shuttle runs between the center’s bus bays 1 and 2 and all LAX terminals. If you’re sorting out the airport end of the trip, the LAX/Metro Transit Center guide explains how to use that hub.
The A Line runs between Pomona North and Long Beach, stopping in Pasadena at Sierra Madre Villa and Memorial Park. Metro’s regular fare is $1.75; tap to ride for free transfers within two hours.
Walking around central Pasadena
The parade route provides a defined outdoor walk through Pasadena, with Colorado Boulevard as its best-known stretch. Start by locating the route’s southern section at Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard, then follow the parade’s path north and east toward its finish.
Visit Pasadena’s Visitor Center is at 300 East Green Street, with weekday hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for souvenir purchases. Hours can change, so check the official site before you go.
A hotel in the LAX area, a two-star hotel in Los Angeles, is about 35 minutes from Pasadena.
Colorado Boulevard and Rose Parade context
Colorado Boulevard is a major viewing stretch on the Rose Parade route, which covers 5.5 miles from Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard to Villa Street. From the starting point, the parade heads north on Orange Grove Boulevard, turns east onto Colorado Boulevard, then turns north onto Sierra Madre Boulevard before ending at Villa Street.
The parade moves at about 2.5 miles per hour and takes about two hours. Its procession includes floral-covered floats, equestrian units, marching bands and Tournament Entries. The first Tournament of Roses parade featured flower-decorated horse-drawn carriages and drew 3,000 spectators.
Planning around Rose Parade dates
The Rose Parade is held on January 1 each year and begins at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time. Plan your arrival around the route and the morning start, and confirm current arrangements with the event’s official site before setting out.
On parade day, route vehicle closures begin at 10:00 p.m. on December 31 and last until 2:00 p.m. on January 1. The closure covers Colorado Boulevard from Orange Grove Boulevard to Sierra Madre Boulevard, plus northbound Sierra Madre Boulevard to Paloma Street.
Three street-level viewing areas along the route are reserved for people with disabilities and their guests. The viewing areas are free and have no seats; each person with a disability may bring up to four guests. One area includes a section with audio description and another with sign-language interpreters.
Returning to the LAX area
To leave Pasadena by rail, use the A Line at Sierra Madre Villa or Memorial Park and plan your connection toward the LAX/Metro Transit Center. From that center, the free, frequent shuttle links bus bays 1 and 2 with every LAX terminal. For the wider journey, getting around Los Angeles without a car can include these Metro connections.
FAQs
When does the Rose Parade take place?
It is held on January 1 each year and begins at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time.
Where does the Rose Parade route go?
It starts at Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard, follows Orange Grove Boulevard north, turns east along Colorado Boulevard, then heads north on Sierra Madre Boulevard to Villa Street.
How long does the parade take?
The parade travels at about 2.5 miles per hour and takes about two hours.
Which Metro line stops in Pasadena?
The A Line stops at Sierra Madre Villa and Memorial Park in Pasadena. It runs between Pomona North and Long Beach.