35 Must-See Stops on the Most Legendary Football Stadium Road Trip

24. Rose Bowl – The Granddaddy of Them All (Pasadena, California)

The Rose Bowl is not just a stadium—it’s a piece of college football history. Since opening in 1922, this legendary venue has hosted five Super Bowls, numerous National Championship games, and the iconic annual Rose Bowl Game. The stadium’s breathtaking location, set against the San Gabriel Mountains, makes it one of the most picturesque stops on this road trip. On game day, the Rose Bowl transforms into an electric atmosphere, particularly when UCLA takes on rivals like USC or when it hosts the annual New Year’s Day Rose Bowl Game, a tradition dating back to 1902. The tailgating scene here is legendary, with thousands of fans gathering in Brookside Golf Course, which surrounds the stadium, creating an old-school college football atmosphere. Home of: UCLA Bruins (NCAA), Rose Bowl Game