I was near the Naples canals in Long Beach recently, and decided to walk around and snap some photos. The cloud cover dampened my motivation at first, but the images turned out better than expected—and the experience reminded me just how special this little corner of Southern California really is.
The Naples canals in Long Beach are one of those places many locals drive past without ever truly exploring on foot. Tucked into the Naples Island neighborhood in eastern Long Beach, the canals are a network of scenic waterways. They wind between custom homes, manicured lawns, and private docks loaded with sailboats and kayaks. It feels like a quieter, more intimate Venice—without the crowds.
Walking the paths that line the canals, you get a genuine sense of community. Residents wave from their patios. Dogs are welcome in the area and can be seen exploring the paved sidewalks and bridges around the canals. On the overcast morning of my visit, it held a moody silver sheen. In hindsight, this gave the photos a calm and timeless quality I hadn't anticipated. Sometimes flat light is the right light.
Developed in the early 1900s as part of a real estate project meant to bring the charm of Naples, Italy, to Southern California, the Naples canals in Long Beach form a unique neighborhood set on a man-made island surrounded by Alamitos Bay. Looping through the island like quiet streets of water, the three main canals—Naples Canal, Rivo Alto Canal, and Grand Canal—invite exploration. Many homes date back decades, each carrying a distinct architectural character. Whether Spanish Colonial Revival or mid-century modern, every stretch of the walk offers something new to see.
As the morning wore on, the cloud cover began to break. When I completed my loop around the island and returned to my car, patches of blue opened up overhead. Seeing that, I felt invited to keep exploring. From Naples, I drove west along the Long Beach waterfront with my windows down and savored the ocean breeze. A city that knows how to live close to the water gave off a casual energy. Relaxed and beautiful, the beach areas near Belmont Shore and Bluff Park drew families, cyclists, and joggers, all sharing the same sun-warmed stretch of coast.
If you’ve never visited the Naples canals in Long Beach, it’s worth putting on your list. According to MapQuest, visitors can explore the Naples Canals by strolling along the public walkway or choosing to travel by boat, kayak, or paddleboard. Bring a camera, even if the sky looks questionable. The canals photograph beautifully under almost any conditions.
Long Beach tends to live in the shadow of its flashier neighbors—Los Angeles to the north and Laguna Beach to the south. Spots like the Naples canals are a reminder that it holds its own quiet magic. Sometimes the best discoveries are the ones hiding in plain sight.
