Developed in the early 1900s as the “Dreamland of Southern California,” this Italian-inspired neighborhood in Long Beach is a coastal gem made up of three charming islands. Stroll along narrow streets and scenic canals lined with elegant homes, boats, and pedestrian pathways. At the heart of it all is a quaint plaza with a central fountain, while just a short walk away, 2nd Street offers top-notch shopping and dining. With its graceful bridges and Mediterranean flair, Naples Island brings a touch of Italy to the Southern California coast.
Today, 2nd Street in Naples and Belmont Shore is a vibrant hub of shopping and dining that links downtown Long Beach to its scenic coastal neighborhoods to the south. Lined with boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and local favorites, this lively stretch has become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors seeking a true Southern California experience.
Now known for its multimillion-dollar homes, gondola rides, and a beloved holiday boat parade, the island community of Naples was once nothing more than a tidal estuary. Just over a century ago, in 1903, it was a fleeting stretch of land within the wetlands of Alamitos Bay, where the San Gabriel River met the Pacific. At low tide, sandy shores emerged briefly; at high tide, the entire island disappeared beneath the water, inhabited only by ducks and other coastal wildlife.
Naples did not occur by accident. A.M. Parsons and his son, A.C., sold lots on the “Peninsula” in 1903. They sold the dream of an Italian style resort village with canals and gondola rides (which actually exist today).
Naples features about a mile of scenic canals, including the expansive, semi-circular Rivo Alto Canal and the shorter, straight Naples Canal. Along these waterways, docks and walkways front charming homes with waterfront views. In the evenings, residents often relax on their decks and patios, enjoying the sunset and greeting passing gondolas and romantic couples. The community still carries a distinctly Italian charm—though the stunning Southern California weather makes it uniquely its own.
Five quaint, narrow bridges—some wide enough for only one car at a time—connect the islands, letting you drive around and explore nearly all of them except for the tiny gated Treasure Island. Alternatively, you can park near the Italian fountain and enjoy a peaceful walk along the picturesque canals.
Naples is easy to fall in love with and is deeply cherished by its island residents. While many dream of calling it home, the high cost of waterfront properties with private docks puts ownership out of reach for most. So for the rest, the Gondola Getaway ride provides the excitement and romance for around $100, minus the huge mortgage, taxes and all that goes with purchasing and maintaining multi-million dollar homes. If Parsons were alive today to see what his dream has become, he’d be smiling.
Wander Woman 