After a great day of the beach and lunch, our friends wanted to show us their favorite spots to go for a walk to get their steps in. Naples Canals is a beautiful neighborhood. Beautiful homes nestled around water and gondolas rides coasting by. We actually drove around for a couple of loops just being that crazy looky loo's at the beautiful neighborhood. We found parking and went for a walk. There's a cool bridge overlooking the canal. We got to see the gondola ride! Our friends told us this was a great neighborhood for seeing Christmas lights displays. All the neighborhood decorates their homes. How cool is that?!?! read more

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After a satisfying lunch at Parker's Lighthouse, we realized time had totally flown by! We originally planned to visit the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden at Cal State Long Beach for a little flower stroll, but it was getting too late... so we decided to switch things up and take a relaxing walk around the Naples Canals instead. Naples Island is such a hidden gem in Long Beach! It used to be a swamp before developers transformed it into a charming Italian-style neighborhood -- all the streets even have Italian names. It kind of reminds me of Venice Beach, but quieter and much more upscale. The canals are lined with beautiful waterfront homes, and boats are literally parked right in front of them. During summer, you can hop on a gondola or go kayaking or paddleboarding on the canals. And in winter, this place turns magical, residents go all out with Christmas lights, and there are festive boat parades gliding through the water. (Though Newport Beach usually gets more attention, Naples definitely holds its own!) It's such a peaceful spot for a stroll, and not many tourists know about it. It's perfect if you're looking for something a little off the beaten path. Naples Island You can set your GPS to La Bella Fontana Park, then find parking along the nearby streets. 90 Corinthian Walk, Long Beach, CA 90803 read more

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Easy to get in via public transit (LBT 121/131 stop right in front of the 2nd St Bridge - 121 connects to Metro A Line) Lots of shops on Ocean Ave, beautiful neighborhood. Best to park outside and walk in (public street parking is super limited). Very pretty day or night walking trip. read more

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This weekend I embarked on a group walking tour of the Naples Canals to view the Christmas lights and decorations. Residents were present to talk about their decorations, greet passersby, and offer treats like hot cocoa, homemade gingerbread and candy canes. Many homes were decorated with moving figures and a wide variety of light displays. It was a great way to spend the late afternoon. Free parking was relatively easy at 4:30 pm, but after 6 it became tricky due to the influx of traffic. read more

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My favorite location to go paddle boarding when it's warm enough. Also, my favorite local location to look at Christmas lights. The best of all seasons can be enjoyed here. Easily accessible for kayaks, paddle bikes, paddle boards, small boats, or as a pedestrian enjoying a leisurely walk, there is something for everyone. During the holidays, most the homes decorate and there is even awards for best decorations. It's always a great time checking out the Christmas lights. There are plenty of opportunities to buy hot chocolate along the way which is perfect for the cold evenings. Parking is the toughest part, but with patience you'll find a spot. read more

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Naples Island and their beautiful canals is a must when in the Long Beach area. It's only a 15 minute drive from the convention center and allows you to walk around and see gorgeous views. read more

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Wowie, I used to go to Venice canal during highschool days for pics and new years but this place blows it out of the water. Haven't been here since 2019 but came back and the view did not disappoint. Much more peaceful than Venice and better restaurants iykyk read more

Naples Canals - Local Flavor Near Me

I had the honor of participating in a long-term holiday tradition that my cousin and two of his friends started years ago. After dinner at the oldest friend's favorite restaurant, the party moves to Long Beach's Naples neighborhood, where we stroll around the Naples Canals, which surround Naples Island. Like their Orange County cousins on Balboa Island, the millionaires who live on the Naples Canals often spare no expense decorating their homes for the holidays. It's fun to walk in both places (Balboa Island and around the Naples Canals) because it's socially acceptable to be a looky-loo and get right in these rich folks' business. You can see into their perfectly curated living and dining rooms, and during the holidays, the decorations are sometimes continued inside. It's baffling to me that I can't easily find the name of the neighborhood's three islands. The circular one in the middle is Naples, I believe. And the one that's only connected by one bridge is Treasure Island. But what's the name of the largest island, the one you have to drive on 2nd Street to get to? It's just mind-numbingly frustrating that so many websites mention three separate islands but never name them. It's 2024; simple information like this should be more than easy to find. I enjoyed my time with the dinner tradition here so much that I brought my parents the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. All the decorations were still up, lit and running, of course, but there were fewer people traipsing around, so it didn't feel as magical, although the quiet was beautiful as well. It's easiest to park near the center of Naples Island and walk in any direction to the canals. There are four bridges that connect Naples Island to the largest island, and one bridge that connects Naples Island to Treasure Island. The bridges are all accessible by car and by foot. They have long lead-up ramps, so you can either alight stairs to get from canalside to the bridge, or you can walk away from the canal and just cross the street. The latter is a better option for people who have difficulty with stairs. Houses are decorated on both sides of the canals, so it doesn't matter whether you stay on one island the entire time or switch back and forth. The bridges themselves are laid out more-or-less symmetrically, although they're not equidistant. The neighborhood's streets aren't laid out in cardinal directions (they list northeast-southwest), but if they were--that is, if North Ravenna Drive ran due north and south--then the four other bridges would run east and west and north and south, respectively. Come visit at night around Christmas. It's really cute. read more

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Drove about 40 min to see the Christmas lights .. Terrible parking , not as many boats with lights/decorations, maybe about 10. I wish it was a scheduled day and time so it looks more like a parade . ( maybe it's listed somewhere , just don't know where to look) . But not worth the traffic or the crazy parking . But it was definitely an experience . Will go back but maybe just for the walk . read more

This review will focus on appraising the Naples Canals when they are decked for the holiday season--- you know when they bling, shine, and burst with merry festivity! I cruised the canals by my lonesome, on foot. However, as I was walking them I saw people on Gondola's, on water bikes (which I am afraid to do since I do not swim, but I have skydived, and I cannot fly, so go figure) and some other water-worthy vessels. I was jealous for a moment. How did these people find this comfortable way of enjoying the lights of the canals? I am sure they searched or heard. of these opportunities. Next year maybe I will do the same. This year I comforted myself by knowing that I was getting my steps in as I walked the canals. So my early Christmas gift was fooling my self into thinking that I was healthier than I really am. But, it was a nice walk augmented by visual Holiday decor. There were so many intriguing houses that were worthy of photo ops. If you do not succumb to these type of opportunities than your eyes will feast in the wonder of houses that do not shy from embracing holiday whimsy. My favorite decorated house was one that looked like a present wrapped in neon red paper and with a neon green bow. Both these items were transparent. So you could see the gift outside the house. I wonder if this could be a new way to present a house to someone. When you give a car you give it with a bow on top of the car. When you give a house it is inside the wrapping and the bow. Regardless, this house won my vote! I had to walk back to other side of the canals to fully appreciate it. However, there are wonders for all to behold. I especially liked that a family felt that their own religious rights should be expressed and adorned their house in blue and white--- not as an ode to a winter wonder land- sorry Elsa-- but rather to an homage to the Jewish faith. I applaud their presence. Not because I identify with the Jewish faith but I love anyone or anything that makes space for themselves when others did not- they were a rebel with a cause! And let us not forget that the canals have vendors selling hot cocoa, water, and other beverages. I loved seeing young entrepreneurs selling the snack staples of the season. Imagine the feeling you get, when you see a kid selling lemonade on a hot day. I got that same feeling but in a different way seeing kids selling cocoa bundled with tiny marshmallows and whipped cream. For those who do not enjoy those types of treats, there was other vendors, for example one that was selling LA hot dogs--- you know a hot dog, wrapped in bacon, topped with grilled onions and peppers. And for those who do not wish to indulge ( I did not as to not cancel my steps) I stopped and heard a violin player. Admittedly, his playing of Christmas tunes was just basic. Certainly better than I can play, but his rendering of some holiday classics was at best a good attempt! But I did applaud his courage and bravado--- it takes great spirit and heart to play for all that stroll the Long Beach Canals. I wish I had that same level of might! I can public speak for sure, but I cannot play to an audience that is not my captive. As I heard him play, two other people stood and heard, with respect, others did not. They just passed us, ducked their heads, to show some level of respect to us and to him, but most just passed the violin player. Yeah, he was not able to capture the attention of others but still he tried. And like I said, that is the real take away--- there are those in this world with courage, to dance like no one is looking or in this case, to play their best for just a few. Of course, parking is a nightmare before Christmas. But that is the case for most events of this sort. Still I will go year after year, until I cannot walk for long. And by that time, I will move to enjoy the gandola and other vessels, it will be my time. But there so many paths to follow and get lost in, and so much spectacle to see--- inflatable Santa's, sensationally decorated trees, holiday displays--- one with many different Santa dolls, and so many others to list. It is truly a path for the holiday that most will enjoy. And if you do not, I bet your phrase of choice--- is bah! humbug! read more

Naples Canals is my favorite area in Long Beach. I could go and walk around all year around if I would live closer. You can park in a neighborhood street and walk to the canals. It is a peaceful area with beautiful houses and lots of vegetation, all unique and diffrent from each other. It is lively in the summer due to the proximity of water and this area is a definition of the indoor/outdoor California lifestyle. Many people take their boats out, kayaks, paddle boats. It is pretty and fun. During Christmas time, this area is magical. The decorations are outstanding.One of the best places in the LA area to see Christmas decorations. People have gatherings, so it could be lively as well. I like bringing family from out of town here and everyone enjoys it. It makes your holidays more festive! Nowadays it's also a safe activity. You can rent a gondola for a special date ot just your dinner down and enjoy a nice stroll alongside Naples Canals. It never gets boring! Let the festivities begin! Happy Holidays! read more

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Beautiful sunset cruise along the Naples Canals via a Duffy boat. So relaxing to explore the peaceful canals that are reminiscent of Italian waterways. Lots of boating options from Duffy and Sailboats to kayaks and even a gondola ride for two. We saw several gondolas which were nice to see contrasted against the sunset. The Naples community was established in 1903 to replicate an Italian village. Built on swampland that was prone to flooding, it was a challenge to entice sales to the new island neighborhood. Plots of land went for around $900. Today, homes start well over a million with an average price tag of $1,500,000. Cruising the canals was the perfect way to end the day in sunny Southern California. read more

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This review is for the ~2 mile loop in the Naples Canals. Very easy stroll in the neighborhood that took about a hour to complete. Definitely worth checking out if you're looking for something new to see! Not many people there Friday afternoon. There were a few people paddle boarding as well as riding the gondolas through the canals. read more

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IMO best holiday lights of 2020 in LA. (El Segundo's Candy Cane Lane being cancelled and the Torrance 'Sleepy Hollow' lights looking pretty sleepy this year.) Went Sunday 7pm 12/6 and there were hardly any people. Just be respectful to the residents and the quiet neighborhood; don't make loud noises or touch anything. Wear masks and keep 6 feet apart! Street parking can be tight so try to get there before dark. read more

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first time coming here. make sure coming here during sunset time. taking picture is even perfect. nice place and peaceful. strolling around that area with nice view of houses and boats... read more

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We've SUPd the Naples Canals for a few months now. We start at Alamitos Bay. Great launch site. They have a spot to rinse your board off. You can also pull up to unload/ load. The canals are usually quite calm so great for newbie SUPers. Going under the bridges is pretty cool when the water looks like it glows green. Last time we were there the water level was so high I at 5'1" had to duck going under one of the bridges. Majority of fellow paddle boarders / kayakers are friendly! read more

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Love coming here during Christmas season or anytime of the year actually. I personally it's a prettier version of the Venice Canals. It's definitely very festive and full of holiday spirits with all the lights and decorations on the houses. We tried to come on a weekday around 5pm hoping to be avoid crowds due to COVID situation. It was still quite busy. About 80% of the people were wearing mask from my observation. Once it's got later, we definitely felt that the place was more crowded and more people showing up without mask. We started to feel uncomfortable so we left. I would recommend to come early and don't come on weekends especially this year. read more

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Obviously, this spot is meant to be seen around on foot but with the surge in COVID cases, it's best to not come here this year. After reading the previous reviews, I didn't think it would be busy but it was really congested. We came here on a Saturday evening at about 7PM. Many, MANY people did not wear masks so after driving to this area for 35 minutes, putting 15 minutes into finding street parking, and 5 minutes of walking, we went home. The lights are pretty and all but the non maskers ruined it. read more

Naples Canals - Local Flavor Near Me

A functional waterway in Long Beach! I was curious about this place, so we drove there to check it out! The water is quite clean; the community seems safe and friendly; the neighborhood is well-kept! There was a beautiful fountain with a small grassy park nearby...wow! It would be nice to return at sunset and Christmas time. I've seen photos of these occasions and I'd like to see it in real life! read more

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One of my absolute favorite places! I grew up in SoCal but didn't know about the Naples Canals until about a year ago. I joined a Long Beach-based running group, and as a part of our group runs, we ran through the area. Fast forward a year, I've taken up paddle boarding, and this is one of my top places to paddle board. It's so quaint.. and gorgeous.. and generally very calm waters. I look forward to checking out the holiday lights this year! 2020: 29/100 read more

Now here's a thing I'm a social person. I just can't help it. Today I ended up talking to a mother on the beach and she said it was an amazing skill To be social. She compared it to a muscle. If not put to work It can go away. Well if that's the case I'm a social bodybuilder ! It's jus my thing . I love coming to Naples canals because there's no waves . Just a sweet little harmless beach danger free . I don't want waves or maybe sharks no thank you. I like watching the boats and all the nice houses. Every once in a while the beautiful gondolas. I know mothers Beach is around the block but I like this one way better. This is also where the kayak and paddleboard rental spot is too. I feel like it's 75%Adults 25% kids. This is definitely a five-star Long beach experience. Just in case you were wondering My friend and I made new friends and We already planned for another play date . Just me exercising that muscle. Now if I can just figure out how to exercise all the rest of them then we're on some thing ! read more

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Just gorgeous during the holidayes. Beautiful lovely walk in and out of the canals also as the houses are lit up with beautiful christmas lights read more

This is one of the best place to be in during the holidays. I came here with family in December and we had a great time going through the Christmas walk through an upscale neighborhood. The title says it all, the location is on a canal where residents ride boats on the waterway. To self tour you go through a sidewalk and you would see a line of houses with Christmas decorations and lights on both sides of the canal. The experience we had took almost a few hours, it is a long strip. Depending on the crowd on some parts of the walk could end up turning into a single file line on tight areas but that won't hinder the experience. One of my favorites there was the Shirley Temple "On the good ship lollipop" decor and a house playing the "Last Christmas" song by George Michaels with animated decorations. There's no cost of admission to come here. However, parking can be limited if curbside spaces in the area are occupied. We did parked our car at Mother's Beach and paid a good rate for a few hours, which is located about 10 minutes walking distance to get here. I did like that there were a few vendors on the walk. One of the vendors sold Hot Chocolate and Spiked Hot Chocolate. At the water fountain roundabout there's a food truck selling desserts and pastries. I recommend bookmarking this place for the upcoming winter holiday season. read more

Best Christmas lights to see and it's free. You can also ride on the gondola or boat to see the lights. read more

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A wonderful place to stroll around during holidays. You can tell some residents here really dedicated time and money in decorations. The atmosphere is fantastic and festive with all the visitors walking around. Highly recommend! read more

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Un lugar muy hermoso para dar una caminada larga y relajante, no hay mucha gente a si que te la pasas muy tranquilo.

This is my second year coming here and it is an absolute marvel of a place during the Christmas time. It's one of my top places to visit in Long Beach during the holidays. It's pretty much a neighborhood on the canals which is festively decorated during the holidays. Many of the houses here are individually decorated in their own unique way. Everyone puts their own spin on their house. This area gets you feeling festive with all the decorated houses, performers and even some people selling hot chocolate on the street! All the lights look great on camera so if you're into taking photos this is the place for you! read more

Lovely stroll with views of extraordinary homes along the canal. Was treated to watching a gondolier in training. Can locate nearby free street parking. read more

Naples Canals - Local Flavor Near Me

Feeling festive for the holidays? Take the whole family out to Naples. Not Naples, Italy - I mean Naples in our own backyard in Long Beach. The houses here go all out with lights and decor. You can see it up close by strolling the streets after sunset. Or, for an even cooler way to experience the fun, see it from the water. We rented a Duffy boat and and brought tons of snacks and (adult) beverages. For an even more romantic setting, ride in an Italian gondola. Alternatively, you can paddle board or ride an aqua bike. It does get crowded during the holidays but that makes it even more fun. read more

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The festivities here are great during the holidays and even on a normal day. It's really peaceful to walk around and see the nice homes along side the canals and harbour. It's even better during Christmas season because a bunch of the homes are all decorated with lights. Super festive to get you in the holiday spirit. Not all the houses have lights put up but a decent amount of them do and it is beautiful to look at. The whole canal area goes in a circle so you won't get a chance to miss anything. This neighborhood during the holidays did not disappoint! Came on a weekday around 9:30pm with lots to look at. read more

Naples Canals - Local Flavor Near Me

I find myself here more than I want to be. But definitely a great neighborhood and it's sure growing on me. The Neighbors are nice and friendly always greeting us with welcome smiles. The view is always beautiful and calming. And the houses along the canals are absolutely stunning, even the smaller older houses. During the Christmas holiday season they are busy and holidays lights are everywhere. It's just stunning! Even better with great company! Too bad it costs an arm and an leg to live here! read more

Naples Canals is a cute little loop for a short, peaceful walk near the water. After shopping and eating along 2nd St, I love heading to the Canals to end a day trip to Long Beach. The walking paths are mostly quiet, and the canal waters are equally empty with only the occasional gondola drifting by. It's fun checking out all the unique homes along the Canals. The area reminds me of the Venice Canals in LA, just smaller & less popular. read more

Another one of those gems, (hidden if you don't get out and around much), but more so if you don't have friends or ties in Long Beach. My kids father is the one who turned me on to the LB and I remember back then it use to be my spot to go salsa dancing (not good I might add), bar hopping, walking, the beaches, Shoreline Villiage, etc., before it really renovated in the past 10 years and still continues to this very day. Well one of the most beloved spots to go for a stroll and take a long gander at the beautiful canal and homes alongside. Streets are narrow, so you might want to take that into consideration and park a little further out where you won't have problems getting out or backed in. I have to agree w/one of the Yelp reviewer is that is a favorite local spot and you tend to want to keep it a secret so that it doesn't get saturated like everything else. But like she stated, we have to give back, hence my review. Best time is Christmas, as it's cooler and really nice to check out the beautiful lights and decorations on the boats in peninsula and houses around it. I can also imagine it being congested, so going early as right after Thanksgiving might not be a bad idea (but then again, like the way the trend is headed since last year, you might want to go right before or after Halloween as a lot of people are Christmas decorating a lot earlier) this makes me sad :( I'm one of those dinosaurs that grew up waiting till my dear madre said it was Okay to start decorating, usually right after Thanksgiving and remembering how strict she was, couldn't start till December 1st. My oh my, have times changed! She'd be rolling in her grave today! Anywho, put this on your to do lists or spot to go to. read more

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I really enjoy coming here for the Christmas season. The homes are beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, there are Carolers and gondolas passing through the canals. I usually park on one of the streets that crosses The Toledo. Parking is tight but available. You can't just drive by; you have to park in order to see the lights. The lights are usually up from December 6- January 1st! Enjoy! I just want to add that it is a lot of walking so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. There are very few places to sit and relax. There is some stair climbing but there is a ramp for wheelchairs. Also, wear warm clothes because it tends to get a little chilly by the canals. This is a touristy event so be prepared for a crowd of people. Enjoy! read more

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Found this place today on Tripadvisor ranked #1 on the Things to Do in Long Beach. Don't compare this place with Venice in Italy or something only because there are buildings and canals. EVERY PLACE IS UNIQUE. And so far this was the most beautiful place I've seen in Long Beach. It's just beautiful. The water is clear, no tourists, but a lot of people paddleboarding and swimming in the canals. The water is fresh and doesn't smell, the houses all around are unique. If you want to calm your soul and relax you definitely should come here. Or just rent some water bikes, paddleboads or kayaks like people did and enjoy your time here. read more

Naples Canals - Local Flavor Near Me

Come early in order to grab one of the few nearby street parking. Wear comfortable walking shoes and a warm jacket. Enjoy the beauty of the Christmas lights. It is very beautiful at this Naples Canal neighborhood in Long Beach. Wonderful how so many residents along the canal, light up their homes with gorgeous Christmas displays. Be prepared for throngs of people. Gets very crowded walking along the canals and streets. Tons of cars driving along the narrow streets so watch where you are going because of the major traffic. Despite the crowds of people, I recommend visiting the Naples Canal if you live in Southern Cal. It really is quite lovely during Christmas time. read more

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Went today (Sunday 12/20) and it was packedddddd but still manageable and beautiful. There was a HUGE group of bikers that seemed to represent something but I didn't quite hear them. They rode through the crowd on the super small sidewalks which I don't think you're supposed to do...interesting and I didn't feel too comfortable. Still had an enjoyable time so that's all that matters! :-) read more

Naples Canals - Naples Canal Lights - Local Flavor Near Me

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Christmas lights galore! Craving candy cane lane but don't wanna drive up to the LA area? The Naples canal is absolutely BEAUTIFUL in the winter! I came here to look at Christmas lights and we spent about an hour wandering through the canal and looking at all the houses. They were absolutely beautiful and put me in the holiday spirit :) Parking is difficult as it is quite popular amongst people in the area. I recommend parking in the neighborhoods more inland and walking as it's hard to get parking right up close. Bring a warm drink and walk around and enjoy the view. Amazing date idea (and free..score!) read more

Naples Canals - Heart. Eyes. - Local Flavor Near Me

Always clean, beautiful and memorable experience !! Highly recommend. Nice walk, especially when you bring a warm drink with you and enjoy the artful decorations. read more

Great for a neighborhood walk! Much prettier and nicer than the Venice Canals. We came here after lunch in the Long Beach neighborhood!