The annual tradition of Tournament of Roses paints the streets of Pasadena with floral floats and marching bands in a colorful march of festive spirit. The Tournament of Roses began in the 1890s and is a celebration of the beautiful weather that graces Southern California in the winter. Taking place every New Year's Day, the Tournament of Roses also partners with the Rose Bowl Football Game at the tournament's conclusion. Known as "the granddaddy of them all," the Rose Bowl is a football contest between Big Ten and Pac-10 school conferences. Similar to the Tournament of Roses, the Rose Bowl itself has a long history as an annual event which began in 1947.
As Southern California is commonly blessed with comfortable weather in January, hiking throughout the region is an activity that can be taken advantage of, both, in the mountains and coastal areas. Try out portions of the Backbone Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains, or time permitting, tackle the entire length. The hike winds for 68 miles throughout the mountains with bluffs overlooking the Los Angeles basin and the coast. Other hiking trails in the area include Eagle Rock, the Old Spanish trail and the Sycamore Canyon Falls hike.
Southern California beaches are accessible and enjoyable in January as well. The average temperatures at the beaches range from the mid-60s to the low 50s in January. On sunny days common sights include pick-up beach-volleyball as well as a place for sunbathers, swimmers and surfers out to make the most of the weather, sunshine and waves. Go for a bike ride along Huntington Beach's bike trail or play volleyball in Santa Monica ... whatever you do, January at the beach means fewer crowds than at other times of the year.
If you prefer a more traditional January where you can spend your days skiing the slopes down mountainsides and sipping hot cocoa from a thermos, make your way up to the Southern California mountains in Big Bear. With several skiing locations to choose from, Big Bear serves as the most accessible snow-skiing in the region, being a mere two-hour drive from Los Angeles. Bear Mountain itself offers 17 miles of skiable terrain accessible from 12 different chair lifts. Skiers of all abilities will find slopes suitable to their levels.
