Start planning early to attend the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This giant parade is the main entertainment for millions on Thanksgiving Day. The parade route is well publicized and many New Yorkers arrive days in advance to stake out the best viewing spots. Plan to ask a friend to save you a seat or camp out yourself.
Book a hotel room early. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Try the Sohotel budget hotel in lower Manhattan or the Chelsea Star hotel at 300 west 30th Street. The Chelsea Star has themed rooms and is very reasonably priced for Manhattan.
Stand on the West side of the street near Columbus Circle for one of the best viewing areas. Central Park west between 61st and 72nd street is also a great spot. This is also where the television platforms and special seating are. The end of the parade route is the worst spot for parade viewing.
Slip out of the crowd as soon as you see Santa at the end. Since it's almost impossible to get a taxi any where near the parade, plan to grab a bite to eat nearby. Try the Kiva Cafe at 139 Read Street for great food, a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff. Or for one of the best steaks in New York, enjoy the Ruth's Chris Steakhouse at 146 West 51st Street.
Plan on buying grandstand tickets to guarantee closeup viewing of the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. The Rose Parade is a New Year's Day tradition and having a grandstand seat gives you the best seat in the house for this annually televised event. Curbside viewing is available on a first come first served basis.
Purchase the tickets for grandstand seats at the Rose Bowl Parade through the official Tournament of Roses Parade website. They also offer several tour packages which include hotel and tours of other sights.
Book a Pasadena hotel room at least six months in advance. The Pasadena Inn at 400 South Arroyo Parkway is just three miles from the Rose Bowl Parade. The Best Western Pasadena Inn at 3570 E. Colorado Boulevard is just a few minutes from the Parade route.
Head out to the Rosebowl Kickoff Luncheon. It is held on December 31 and the cost is around $80. There is free parking in Lot K.
Get to the Orange Bowl Parade a few days early and enjoy the scenery and nightlife of sunny Miami, Florida. The Orange Bowl Parade winds its way past some of the most beautiful areas of the southeastern U.S. Grandstand tickets are available and choice curbside spots are staked out a few days in advance, so wear your sunblock, grab an umbrella and camp out near one of Miami's great restaurants.
Apply early for tickets to the Orange Bowl Parade and book your hotel room soon thereafter. The El Palacio Sports Hotel is located adjacent to the orange Bowl stadium. The Holiday Inn Port of Miami is located in downtown Miami just a few minutes drive from the Orange Bowl and the parade route.
Enjoy any number of sensational Miami area attractions when attending the Orange Bowl Parade. Miami's beaches are world famous and Key West to the south and the Everglades to the West are just a few hours from the city. Downtown Miami also has some of the best nightlife in the southeast.