Naples Canals (Long Beach), Los Angeles - A marina filled with lots of white boats
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Naples Canals Long Beach

4.6
·491k reviews·Long Beach, United States

A charming Italian-inspired neighborhood in Long Beach, CA, featuring picturesque canals, beautiful homes, and romantic gondola rides.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends, evenings

Magical holiday lights

CrowdHigh
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Naples Canals (Long Beach), Los Angeles - A marina filled with lots of white boats

Naples Canals Long Beach

Best Time

Weekends, evenings

Magical holiday lights

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming Italian-inspired neighborhood in Long Beach, CA, featuring picturesque canals, beautiful homes, and romantic gondola rides.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Experience a slice of Italy with charming canals and romantic gondola rides in Long Beach!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Beat the Parking Hassle

Don't drive! Use ride-share, bike, or the Circuit shuttle. Parking is a nightmare during events.

🛶 Kayak for Adventure

Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the canals at your own pace. Great workout!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gondola Getaway

Gondola Getaway

Various rental companies along the canals

Glide through charming waterways on a traditional gondola, serenaded by your gondolier. A truly romantic and unique experience.

Architectural Stroll

Architectural Stroll

Naples Island

Wander along the picturesque canals, admiring the beautiful homes and historic architecture. A peaceful escape with Mediterranean flair.

Holiday Lights Spectacle

Holiday Lights Spectacle

Naples Canals

During Christmas, the canals transform into a dazzling wonderland with elaborate house decorations and boat parades. Magical!

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Italian Vibe

Experience a charming slice of Italy right in Southern California. The Naples Canals offer picturesque waterways, historic architecture, and a unique atmosphere perfect for a leisurely stroll or a romantic gondola ride. Plan for crowds, especially during holidays and weekends.

Navigating the Canals

Parking can be a challenge, especially during peak times like the Christmas Boat Parade. Consider using ride-sharing services, public transport, or biking to avoid traffic headaches. Many visitors recommend booking gondola rides in advance to secure your spot.

Best Times

When
Weekends, evenings
Why
Magical holiday lights
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful strolls
Crowd
Low
When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A piece of Italy in Long Beach, CA? @500experiences.com #lbc #longbeach #visitcalifornia #socaladventures
@lewildexplorer
2.5K likes • 59.8K views

🚗 Beat the Parking Hassle

Don't drive! Use ride-share, bike, or the Circuit shuttle. Parking is a nightmare during events. Reddit

🛶 Kayak for Adventure

Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the canals at your own pace. Great workout! Reddit

#longbeach #venicebeach #naples #belmontshore
@cocomocoe
625 likes • 10.8K views
Explore NAPLES ISLAND with me 🇮🇹 A little piece of the Mediterranean in Southern California! So many historic gems too! Queen Mary next? #naples #longbeach #naplescanals #thingstodoinla
@thelombardicollective
493 likes • 6.9K views

🥂 Pack Your Own Treats

Food vendors are hit-or-miss. Bring snacks and drinks for your canal cruise. Reddit

🎄 Book Holiday Gondolas Early

Christmas lights are stunning! Book gondola rides well in advance for this popular time. Reddit

This is a great neighborhood for an easy stroll. Its lined with beautiful canals! It’s Naples Island in Long Beach. #hiddengems #thingstodoinla #longbeach #explorelosangeles #discoverla #losangeles
@cal.euphoria
138 likes • 6.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Beat the Parking Hassle

Don't drive! Use ride-share, bike, or the Circuit shuttle. Parking is a nightmare during events. Reddit

🛶 Kayak for Adventure

Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the canals at your own pace. Great workout! Reddit

🥂 Pack Your Own Treats

Food vendors are hit-or-miss. Bring snacks and drinks for your canal cruise. Reddit

🎄 Book Holiday Gondolas Early

Christmas lights are stunning! Book gondola rides well in advance for this popular time. Reddit

📸 Capture the Charm

The canals are incredibly photogenic, especially during golden hour or festive seasons. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Naples Canals for their charming, European ambiance and picturesque beauty, especially during the holiday season. The gondola rides are a highlight, offering a romantic and unique experience. However, parking can be a significant challenge, and crowds are substantial during popular events.

What People Like

Charming European atmosphere
Romantic gondola rides
Beautiful holiday lights

What People Dislike

Difficult parking
Large crowds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Naples Canals are located on Naples Island in Long Beach, CA. While driving is an option, parking can be extremely difficult, especially during events like the Christmas Boat Parade. Many visitors recommend using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, or utilizing the free Circuit shuttle service in Long Beach. Public buses are also a viable and affordable option. Reddit

Parking near the Naples Canals is notoriously challenging, particularly on weekends and during special events. Street parking is limited and often occupied. It's highly advised to explore alternative transportation methods to avoid frustration. Reddit

Yes, public transportation is available. You can take a Long Beach Transit bus to get close to the Naples Island area. Some Reddit users suggest parking in Belmont Shore and taking a short bus ride to Naples. Reddit

The Circuit shuttle is a free on-demand shuttle service in Long Beach that many locals and visitors recommend for getting around, including to the Naples Canals. It can be a convenient way to avoid parking issues. Reddit

For the Naples Boat Parade, it's strongly recommended to avoid driving. Consider taking the free Circuit shuttle, public bus, biking, or even an Uber/Lyft drop-off to a nearby location and walking the rest of the way. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to walk around and enjoy the Naples Canals. The area is a public neighborhood. However, if you plan to take a gondola ride or rent a Duffy boat, you will need to book and pay for those services. TikTok

The cost of gondola rides can vary depending on the company and duration. Prices typically range from $100-$200 for an hour-long private ride. It's best to check with specific rental companies for current pricing and booking options. Reddit

Yes, you can rent boats like Duffy boats, which are electric boats perfect for cruising the canals. Companies like London Boat Rentals or Anchors Away offer these rentals, often around $100 per hour. Reddit

Gondola rental hours can vary by company and season. Many operate during daylight hours and into the evening. It's advisable to check the specific operating hours of your chosen rental company when booking. TikTok

There is no admission fee to access and explore the Naples Canals on foot. It's a public neighborhood. Fees only apply if you choose to partake in activities like gondola rides or boat rentals. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy a leisurely walk along the canals, admire the beautiful homes and gardens, take a romantic gondola ride, or rent a Duffy boat to explore the waterways. It's a picturesque and relaxing destination. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding through the Naples Canals. You can launch from areas like 'horny corner' for a great workout and unique perspective. Reddit

While there aren't many permanent vendors directly on the canals, you might occasionally find scout groups selling hot cocoa during busy times, especially around Christmas. It's generally recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks. Reddit

Sunset offers a beautiful golden hour glow over the canals, making it a popular time for a stroll. Weekday mornings are generally less crowded for a more peaceful experience. TikTok

Yes, the Naples Canals are famously decorated for holidays, especially Christmas and Halloween. During Christmas, virtually every house is adorned with lights, creating a magical atmosphere. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Anywhere along the canal paths offers beautiful views. Bridges provide unique vantage points. The reflections of the homes and trees in the water are particularly stunning during golden hour or when the houses are decorated for holidays. TikTok

Yes, sunset is a fantastic time to photograph the Naples Canals. The warm light casts a beautiful glow on the water and architecture, creating a serene and picturesque scene. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the canals and the charming houses. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating architectural details. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance water reflections and sky. TikTok

Generally, casual photography for personal use is welcome. However, be mindful of private residences and avoid intrusive photography. Drone usage may be restricted, so check local regulations if you plan to fly one. TikTok

Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) provides the most flattering light. For holiday decorations, evenings during the Christmas season are spectacular, though crowds will be high. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Naples Canals offer a delightful outing for families. A leisurely walk along the canals provides plenty of visual interest for children, with unique houses and boats to spot. Consider renting a Duffy boat for a relaxed family cruise where everyone can enjoy the scenery without extensive walking. Reddit Bringing along snacks and drinks is a good idea, as vendor options can be limited. During the holiday season, the Christmas lights are a huge hit with kids, creating a magical experience. Reddit

💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways

For a romantic escape, a gondola ride through the Naples Canals is unparalleled. Glide along the serene waterways, perhaps with a bottle of wine and some snacks, enjoying the intimate atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. TikTokReddit Sunset is a particularly magical time for this experience, offering stunning views and a peaceful ambiance. Reddit Alternatively, renting a Duffy boat for a private cruise at sunset can also be a wonderfully romantic option. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget-Conscious Explorers

The most budget-friendly way to enjoy the Naples Canals is by simply walking the picturesque paths. It's free to explore the neighborhood and admire the architecture and waterways. TikTok If you want to get on the water without the cost of a private gondola, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard, which can be more affordable for solo or duo adventures. Reddit Packing your own picnic and drinks will also save money compared to seeking out local vendors. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Gondola Rides: A Taste of Venice

Experience a touch of old-world romance with a gondola ride through the Naples Canals. These traditional boats, steered by skilled gondoliers, offer a unique and intimate way to explore the waterways. Many gondoliers are known to sing or share local stories, adding to the charm. TikTok Visitors often recommend booking these rides in advance, especially during peak seasons or for special occasions like Christmas, when the canals are famously illuminated. Reddit It's a perfect activity for couples or anyone seeking a memorable and picturesque outing.

The experience can be tailored to your preferences, with options for private rides or shared tours. Some companies even allow you to bring your own snacks and beverages, making it a delightful way to enjoy a leisurely afternoon or evening. The gentle pace allows you to fully appreciate the beautiful homes, lush gardens, and the tranquil atmosphere of this Italian-inspired enclave. TikTok

Exploring by Water: Kayaks and Duffy Boats

For a more active or independent exploration of the Naples Canals, consider renting a kayak, paddleboard, or a Duffy boat. Kayaks and paddleboards offer a fantastic way to navigate the narrower channels and get a close-up view of the waterfront properties. Reddit Launching from areas like 'horny corner' is a popular choice for water sports enthusiasts.

Duffy boats, which are quiet electric boats, provide a comfortable and relaxed way to cruise the canals. They are ideal for families or small groups who want to enjoy the scenery at their own pace. Reddit Rental companies are available in the nearby marina, offering hourly rates that make for an enjoyable excursion. Cruising the canals by boat, especially during sunset, is a highly recommended experience for its scenic beauty and tranquility. Reddit

The Magic of Holiday Decorations

The Naples Canals truly come alive during the holiday season, particularly Christmas. Residents go all out, adorning their homes with elaborate and dazzling light displays, transforming the neighborhood into a festive wonderland. Reddit This spectacle attracts many visitors who come to witness the breathtaking decorations.

Beyond the static displays, the annual Naples Boat Parade is a highlight, with decorated boats parading through the canals, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Reddit Walking or taking a boat tour during this time offers an unforgettable experience. However, be prepared for significant crowds and parking challenges during this popular period. Reddit

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