With the College Football Playoff semifinals returning to their rightful place on New Year’s Day, Pasadena will be abuzz with energy Jan. 1 for the annual Rose Bowl Game. Though this year’s matchup foregos the traditional Big Ten vs. Pac-12 matchup in favor of the No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners vs. the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs, it’s still bound to be a festive atmosphere all around the city.

If you’re lucky enough to get tickets to the game, best advice is to get to Pasadena as early as possible. Traffic is sure to be a bear throughout the day, so the sooner you can park yourself in town the better. But what should you do once you’re up there?

The list below provides some tips on how to spend your time in the immediate area before the game start. Though there are plenty of tailgate activities around the Rose Bowl itself, you may want to acquaint yourself with the other opportunities Pasadena affords locals and visitors.

(Museums like Norton Simon, the Gamble House and California Museum of California Art have been omitted from this list since they are closed on New Year’s Day)

Rose Parade

This one’s obvious, but you should be up bright and early to catch the spectacle on Colorado Boulevard. Road closures start the night before, so it’s advised you get there well in advance to have a real shot at viewing the colorful floats along the 5.5-mile route. Some recommended options: Stay at a local hotel or crash with friends nearby the night before. Or just prepare to walk quite a bit. The parade’s still a once-in-a-lifetime experience, though, and worth the hassle. Also, here’s a handy day-of guide to help ease the pain.

Courtesy of King's Row

King’s Row Gastropub

If you’ve already woken up early for the Rose Parade, you’ve likely worked up an appetite for a large brunch. King’s Row can certainly deliver there, with some rich and adventurous dishes, paired with some of LA’s finest beers. There’s plenty to choose from on the cocktail side, too, if that’s more your scene. Assuming it’s warm enough, King’s Row’s back patio provides ample seating and some interesting people watching.

Pasadena City Hall

The 1920s architecture of Pasadena City Hall stands out above the skyline and provides a glimpse into the area’s past. Tour the grounds both inside and out, to take in the accompanying gardens and fountains. It’s also been used frequently in films through the years.

Courtesy of Stone Company Store

Stone Company Store

Just off the main drag is Stone Brewing Company’s lone Los Angeles County outpost — a small taproom with merchandise and of course, a solid collection of the San Diego brewery’s beers. You’ll find some of the run-of-the-mill Stone selection, sure. But the major draw is the one-off taps that are either unique to that location or just Stone’s various taprooms. There’s also a fridge of both common and rarer Stone beers, in case you were looking to tailgate with some heavier fare.

Eaton Canyon 

Later in your day, you’re going to be stuffed into seats that were designed a century ago. So why not stretch your legs a little in advance? Though the Nature Center building will be closed Jan. 1, you can still make your way through the various nature trails and hiking trails in the area to take in the local plants and scattered animals that inhabit the canyon.

Courtesy of Congregation Ale House

Congregation Ale House

Right across the street from Stone is Congregation Ale House, featuring their own beers, a considerable number of guest taps, and food (unlike Stone). There are several Congregation locations around LA, but each one manages to create its own unique vibe. Whether you head here before, after, or instead of Stone, come with an appetite and a desire to try some new beers.

Courtesy of Arlington Garden Pasadena

Arlington Garden in Pasadena

The free community-supported garden is open from sunrise to sunset every day, and provides free entry. Visitors are invited to stroll around the grounds to see the various plant life and even growing fruit interspersed throughout. Anyone can take photos around the garden, but professional photographers do need to book times in advance.

Courtesy of Mypunchcard / YouTube

Lucky Baldwin’s Pub  

The English pub is one of LA’s earliest craft beer destinations, and its Colorado Boulevard location is incredibly convenient — located not too far from the shuttles up to the Rose Bowl. You can enjoy some local brews, try out European imports, and/or grab some English pub grub here. Or, if you’re looking for an experience more focused on Belgian beers, head down the street to Lucky Baldwin’s Trappiste instead.

Courtesy of Visit Pasadena

Pasadena Ice Skating Center

The “coolest place in Pasadena” is actually open on New Year’s Day for those hoping for a more wintry start to 2018 than Southern California’s sun typically provides. Open skate sessions are open to the public throughout the day, and events can also be organized for larger groups (should you be bringing one to the game that day).

Courtesy of Neon Retro Arcade

Neon Retro Arcade

Whether you’re a kid or adult, Neon’s a throwback to the video games of yesteryear that immerses you in the arcade environment that’s been replaced by mobile games. Yet Neon’s a popular spot that encourages all-day play for just $25 per person. Given how much time you’ll be spending outside during the game, a few hours in the dark won’t hurt.