Tucked into Alamitos Bay, a few minutes from 2nd Street, Naples is Long Beach's quiet showpiece — three little islands threaded with canals, arched footbridges, and waterfront homes, modeled on Venice more than a century ago. You can wander it for an hour or glide through on a gondola. Either way it's one of the most charming corners of Southern California, and it's right next to our Shankton Peninsula suites.
What Naples Island is
Naples is a cluster of three small islands in Alamitos Bay, built in the early 1900s and designed around a network of canals — the main one is the Rivo Alto. Today it's a peaceful residential neighborhood of pretty homes, hidden walkways, and little bridges, wrapped by the calm bay. It borders Belmont Shore, so you can combine a Naples wander with coffee or dinner on 2nd Street without moving the car.
Take a gondola ride
The signature Naples experience: a real gondola ride through the canals, poled by a gondolier, often with blankets and the option to bring your own picnic. It's a long-running Long Beach tradition and a genuinely romantic hour — a favorite for anniversaries, proposals, and birthdays. Book ahead, especially on weekends and throughout December.
Walk the canals
You don't need a boat to enjoy Naples — the walking loop around and through the islands is free and lovely any time of day. Follow the canal-side paths, cross the arched bridges, and peek down the quiet walk-streets. It's flat, easy, and stroller- and dog-friendly. Early evening, when the light goes gold and the water goes still, is the best time to go.
On and around the water
- Paddleboard or kayak the calm waters of Alamitos Bay — rentals are nearby and the protected water is beginner-friendly.
- Swim off the bay beaches: gentle, shallow, and ideal for kids.
- Bike the loop from Belmont Shore around the bay and over to Naples.
The Naples holiday boat parade
If you're here in December, don't miss it: the Naples holiday boat parade sends decorated boats cruising through the canals while the waterfront homes light up for the season. It's a beloved Long Beach tradition and a magical night. Dates shift year to year, so check the current schedule when you book a winter stay.
How to get there
Naples sits in the Belmont Shore area of Long Beach, in Alamitos Bay. It's an easy walk or bike from 2nd Street and from Shankton Peninsula — which is the nicest way in, since parking around the canals is tight. By car it's a few minutes from the 405 or PCH. For the wider area — beaches, dining, and parking — see our Belmont Shore & Long Beach guide.
Common questions
What is Naples Island in Long Beach?
Naples is a cluster of three small islands in Alamitos Bay, Long Beach, laced with Venice-style canals and lined with waterfront homes. Built in the early 1900s, it's one of Southern California's prettiest neighborhoods to wander on foot, and it sits right next to Belmont Shore and 2nd Street.
Can you take a gondola ride in Long Beach?
Yes — authentic gondola rides glide through the Naples canals, complete with a gondolier. It's a long-running Long Beach tradition and a memorable date night or special occasion. Book ahead, especially on weekends and in December.
What is there to do on Naples Island?
Walk the canal paths and little bridges, take a gondola ride, paddleboard or kayak Alamitos Bay, swim off the calm bay beaches, and grab a coffee or dinner nearby on 2nd Street. In December, the canals light up for the Naples holiday boat parade.
How do you get to Naples Island?
Naples sits in Alamitos Bay in the Belmont Shore area of Long Beach — easily walkable from 2nd Street and from Shankton Peninsula. By car it's a few minutes from the 405 or PCH; parking is tight, so walking or biking over is the easy way in.
When is the Naples Island holiday boat parade?
The Naples Island holiday boat parade takes place in December each year, when decorated boats cruise the canals and many of the waterfront homes are lit up. Exact dates vary year to year, so check the current schedule before you plan around it.
Walk to the canals
Stay a few minutes from Naples.
Shankton Peninsula puts you on the peninsula between the bay and the Pacific — walk to Naples, 2nd Street, and the sand. Two rooftop-deck suites; book one for 6 or the whole building for 12. Book direct — no platform fees.