Walking up to 2.5 miles per day over paved city sidewalks and flat surfaces. Standing up to 1 hour per day. Program will require approximately 6.5 miles of walking over 5 days. Extent and duration of walking during independent exploration is according to personal choice. Includes all-day field trips on most days with early morning starts on 3 days. Transportation to field trip sites requires boarding and disembarking motorcoaches several times a day and unavoidable use of stairs. Float decorating requires up to 8 hours of standing, bending and reaching with limited seating. Must be able to climb stairs with handrails, navigate bleachers and sit up to 3 hours on metal bleacher seats without backs for performances (only non-metal stadium cushions allowed). Floatfest includes elevation change of 80 feet within 0.7 miles of entrance/exit. All Rose Parade® events occur rain or shine; be prepared to enjoy these events in wet weather. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned
California
Rose Parade®: A Heritage to Celebrate
Program No. 10515RJ
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Rose Parade®: A Heritage to Celebrate
Rose Parade®: A Heritage to Celebrate
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Los Angeles/Pasadena Area
Program Concludes
Los Angeles/Pasadena Area
Meals
12 (
5B, 3L, 4D
)
Activity Level
From
3,249Enroll Early And Save
Welcome the new year by attending the annual Rose Parade®. It's the dazzling explosion of color, creativity and tradition that kicks off the New Year with a bang. It’s the flower-covered floats like moving masterpieces, bands marching to lively tunes and the palpable, infectious excitement of the crowd. It's the blend of nostalgia and spectacle, where every bloom tells a story, and every step feels like a celebration. The Rose Parade® in Pasadena, California, isn’t just a parade — it's a communal experience that brings people together.
Best of all, you'll...
- Learn the fascinating history of the parade from a Tournament of Roses® insider, and hear from a past Rose Queen about her reign.
- Attend Bandfest to watch the performances and shows.
- Become a part of the spectacle as you help decorate one of the elaborate Rose Parade® floats, attend the parade itself and view floats up close after the parade.
General Notes
One of the most popular events, this event draws large crowds with about 1 million people viewing the parade in person each year. This is also a popular program for Road Scholar which makes it a large group program. The program enrolls up to 530 people divided between two hotels. Participants will be with the large group for most of the activities and lectures, participants will be divided into smaller groups for orientation and travel to activities. All Rose Parade® events have a clear bag policy.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Paul R. Spitzzeri
A California historian and author of numerous works on such topics as railroad development and regulation, overland emigration, and criminal justice, Paul R. Spitzzeri received his bachelor’s and master’s in history from California State University, Fullerton. He is Museum Director of the Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum near Los Angeles and an Award of Merit recipient from the American Association for State and Local History for his biography of the Workman and Temple families.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Paul R. Spitzzeri
A California historian and author of numerous works on such topics as railroad development and regulation, overland emigration, and criminal justice, Paul R. Spitzzeri received his bachelor’s and master’s in history from California State University, Fullerton. He is Museum Director of the Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum near Los Angeles and an Award of Merit recipient from the American Association for State and Local History for his biography of the Workman and Temple families.
Julie King
Julie Myers King, the 1988 Tournament of Roses® Queen, is currently is a marketing and client services specialist for the financial planning firm Hesen & Haslam. A graduate of UCLA, King is a member of UCLA Gold Shield Alumnae, and served as president of the UCLA Parents' Council Emeriti. She is active with the Boy Scouts and is proud to be the mother of three Eagle Scouts. She also has a passion for music and plays the French horn.
Donna Granata
Donna Granata is the founder and executive director of Focus on the Masters (FOTM), a highly respected nonprofit archive and educational program documenting contemporary artists. An accomplished artist in her own right, Granata is an internationally published portrait photographer. Her photographs have been displayed across the United States. Selected works from her FOTM portrait series are housed in the Smithsonian's Archive of American Artists; in the photographic collection of the George Eastman Museum and other public institutions housing the personal archives of the artists documented.
Gail Ginell
Gail Ginell was born in Brooklyn but has lived in Southern California for most of her life. She received her bachelor’s in economics and a master’s in business administration. After living in the San Fernando Valley post-college, Gail returned with her husband to Thousand Oaks where they raised their two sons. Gail has been a part-time CPA for 35 years, is certified from the International Tour Management Institute, and has been the editor of the alumni section of her college magazine for over two decades.
Kris Springer
Kris Springer was born in Wisconsin, attended high school in Minnesota, and received her degree in communications from the University of Colorado in Boulder. Kris has gained great respect for the environment while working as a docent at Point San Luis Lighthouse and Central Coast Aquarium in Avila Beach, CA. When not working for Road Scholar, Kris works as a wine tour guide. She has been singing with the San Luis Obispo Vocal Arts Ensemble for nearly three decades.
Bob Vinatieri
Bob Vinatieri was introduced to travel at age two, riding in a TWA Super Constellation cockpit from Kansas City to Amarillo. Travel has been his vocation for over 40 years, and he has visited all 50 states, six continents, and over 50 countries. Bob enjoys leisurely walks along both mountain trails and urban cityscapes. Highlights on his programs include discussions of geology, climate transitions, and human histories. You can always find him with a camera, photographing wildflowers and the epic landscapes of the Pacific Wonderland.
Manuel Marquez
Manuel Márquez came to Road Scholar after a rewarding career in medical practice management. He has led groups to Cuba and his native Los Angeles. As an undergraduate in Boston, he was introduced close-up to the wonders of western art, the colonial and revolutionary history of the United States, and a love of learning about planet Earth and all its inhabitants. Manuel has explored nearly fifty countries on five continents. He enjoys music, reading, movies, and his beautiful cat, Pearl.
Barrie Simpson
After a long career in the technology, pharmaceutical, and hospitality industries, Barrie Simpson became a Road Scholar group leader. She was raised in New England; following high school, she made her way to Oregon, where she planted trees all over the West before going on to earn a degree in environmental engineering. Currently living in San Francisco, she is a historical group leader for SF City Guides, a waterbird docent on Alcatraz, and a long time member leader of the American Society of Quality (ASQ).
Vannetta Perry
Dr. Vannetta Perry is a retired educator and lifelong resident of New Mexico who is deeply rooted in the southwest. Her family homesteaded and ranched in Southwestern New Mexico and farmed in West Texas. As an educator, Dr. Perry worked in the university setting, teaching biology and directing science outreach programs. Her love for travel was sparked when she led research studies in developing countries. Since retiring, Dr. Perry has continued to share her love of travel and education as a travel director and leader.
Karyn Benkendorfer
Karyn Benkendorfer is a native Californian who has a B.A. in communications arts – film and television from Loyola Marymount University. She is also a graduate of ITMI’s International tour management program. Karyn is a passionate storyteller, photographer, writer, and teacher. She is energized by engaging with people, sharing stories and experiences. On her daily walks, she logs 5-8 miles. She is an active volunteer with Opera League Los Angeles.
Lyndel Brauninger
Lyndel Brauninger, a native New Orleanian, is a retired educator who taught in the metropolitan New Orleans area for more than 30 years. Besides leading Road Scholar groups, she leads walking “foodie” groups in the French Quarter, where she has been a licensed exploration leader since 1996. Lyndel enjoys experiencing and learning everything the Crescent City has to offer, particularly the architecture, history, music, food, and amazing theater. She is thrilled to share her passion for New Orleans with people from all over the world.
Natallia Fodemski
Natallia Fodemski began her career as a group leader in 2009. She started a small business, and led private and group outings including hikes and adventures all over Colorado State, gradually adding other states. In 2019, she graduated from International Guide Academy in Denver with a Certificate of International Tour Director and Guide. She also has years of experience working as a program coordinator at the Center for Creative Leadership and at Colorado College Fine Art Museum.
Ramón Bañuelos
Ramón Bañuelos, a real estate agent by day, has been the marshal for the Hermanos Bañuelos Charro Team since 1995. The team was formed in Altadena by brothers, cousins, and friends from the state of Zacatecas, Mexico, including original members Heriberto Bañuelos and Sergio Bañuelos. They have performed at Equestfest, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Autry Museum of the American West, and the Steve McQueen Car and Motorcycle Show. The Hermanos Bañuelos Charro Team has participated in the Rose Parade 16 times and is gearing up for its 17th appearance in 2026.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Suggested Books and Resources
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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Call
800-454-5768
Helpful Links
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Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan
Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.
- Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
- Assurance Plan
Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
- Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
- Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.
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