New Year's Eve in California

If you're looking to celebrate New Year's Eve in a big way, California's cities and towns have lots to offer.

• Los Angeles Theme Parks: Disneyland stays open late to bring in the new year, but it's very crowded, sometimes so packed that they stop admitting guests by afternoon. All those people make a Ridemax itinerary not just a good idea but a necessity.

• Los Angeles: Angelinos love to party, and you'll find big events everywhere from the Queen Mary to the Paramount Studios lot.

• Rose Parade: The parade actually takes place on New Year's Day, but many people arrive on New Year's Eve afternoon to stake out a viewing spot along the street, as early as the local police will let them. An all-night party ensues that's hard to believe unless you see it.

• San Diego: San Diego's New Year's Eve fireworks More San Diego New Years Events

• San Francisco: The big event in San Francisco is the New Year's Eve fireworks display, set off near the Ferry Building along the Embarcadero. You can see if from the end of Market Street or anywhere along The Embardadero within a few blocks of the Ferry Building. Plan far enough ahead and you could watch the pyrotechnics from the comfort of your hotel room at Hotel Vitale, Hyatt Regency or Harbor Court. More San Francisco New Years Eve Events

• Monterey: The celebration is called First Night and it's designed to be an affordable, alcohol-free family celebration.

• Sacramento: Get the new year off to a healthy start with the two-mile New Year's Eve Run

• Yosemite: The Ahwahnee and Wawona Hotels host New Year's dinner dances