A Local’s Guide to Things to Do in Naples, Long Beach

Naples, Long Beach real estate is in high demand for good reason. This neighborhood, set along a lovely canal system just like the one in Naples, Italy, has much to rave about — you can stroll the canal system, go for a gondola ride, shop bazaars and boutiques, and dine on the water. For residents of Naples Island, life is good. And if you’ve been planning a visit or hoping to move to the area, you’ll want to live as the locals do.

Naples comprises three islands built along a canal system that feeds directly into Belmont Shore, another upscale community often referenced in tandem with Naples. The neighborhood sits on Alamitos Bay on the Pacific Coast, with beaches known for stunning sunsets, warm sand, and gentle tides. The area is inherently walkable, with gorgeous luxury homes interspersed by quaint shops and eateries all along waterways dotted with gondolas and boats. It’s a pretty little village that has grown to include some of Southern California's most marvelous luxury locations. There is no shortage of things to do in Naples, Long Beach.

With nearly 345 sunny days per year, Naples is a haven for outdoor activity. Here are a few ways to get outside and stay active throughout the year.

 

Mother’s Beach offers gentle waves, a shallow swimming area, a lifeguard, and even a playground, making this location on Alamitos Bay, set back from the open ocean, ideal for beachgoers of all ages. Incredibly family-friendly, this long stretch of sand makes plenty of weekend activity possible, including a wealth of water sports.

From jet skis and jet boats to kayaks and paddle boards, locals interested in getting active in the water have plenty to choose from. The calmer waters at Mother’s Beach are ideal for non-motorized boats, kayaks, and paddle boards, while Bayshore Beach offers an open ocean for watercraft with revving engines. You can also parasail and windsurf. Basically, if it happens in the water, you can do it in Naples. If you don’t own your own boat, ski, or board, there are plenty of places to rent from in Naples and surrounding areas.

 

Want to feel like you’re in Italy? Take a gondola ride with Gondola Getaway! An experienced gondolier from this decades-old gondola company will take you on a meandering journey through the canal systems that wind around Naples Islands, where you’ll gaze at million-dollar homes, steer under the five bridges, and simply relax for a smooth ride.

 

One of the favorite hangout spots in Naples is the large fountain (La Bella Fontana) in the center of the neighborhood. Virtually all Naples locals have grabbed coffee at a nearby cafe and wandered down to the three-tiered fountain in the park. It is a sight to see, particularly surrounded by the twinkling lights at night.

Naples is replete with boutiques and shopping venues ideal for a weekend afternoon.

 

Second Street begins in the Naples Islands, and its shopping, dining, cafes, and other venues extend to Belmont Shore. This long stretch makes for excellent wandering the locals love, and tourists from all over come to visit. With fine dining and high-end clothing stores, visiting Second Street is a perfect ending to a day on the beach.

 

A few miles down the road, Fourth Street is a quick trip for Naples locals to get the “retro” experience. Known as the Fourth Street Corridor or Retro Row, this small business district is the quintessential location for Long Beach residents and those from miles around to come for vintage and kitch shopping.

Naples has a good number of quality restaurants for such a small area.

 

Perhaps the best restaurant in the area, Michael’s on Naples offers fine Italian cuisine that demands a reservation to enjoy. Enjoy Sunday brunch on the rooftop looking out toward the sea or special Farmer’s Market Dinners that include fresh selections from local growers. Michael’s is fine dining at its best.

 

Another Naples staple is Nico’s, “where elegance meets exquisite taste.” Nico's has everything from steaks and seafood to pasta and fresh vegetables. Diners enjoy the upscale style, mood lighting, and a relaxing ambiance.

 

Southern Californians know and love Nick’s restaurants, and Nick’s on 2nd in Long Beach is no exception. For top-quality food in a comfortable yet elegant setting, Nick’s is the place to visit for locals who know and love this always exciting and innovative set of restaurants.

Experience history and art at the following Naples venues.

 

For residents interested in learning about the long, rich contributions of Latin Americans to the West Coast of the U.S., the Museum of Latin American Art is the only museum dedicated exclusively to the art of the Latin American people. It is worth a visit no matter where you hail from, but it is a must-visit for Naples locals and other Long Beach residents. It pays to know your local culture and history.

 

Just up the highway from Naples, the largest adobe structure and homelands to the area's Indigenous, Rancho Los Cerritos celebrates the ancestry and provides the opportunity to learn about the land we live on. A historic site that pays homage to the cultural heritage of Long Beach, Rancho Los Cerritos is a critical piece of the community.

 

The Long Beach Museum of Art offers locals the chance to get a bit of culture on a day out. With changing exhibitions and special events, the museum offers memberships and educates the community on the necessity of including everyone’s voices in our art projections.

 

For those looking for some art pieces, the Michael Levy Gallery, owned by artist Michael Levy, is one gallery you won’t want to miss. Levy has been an art dealer for more than 40 years and stages the most exciting pieces in this Long Beach staple.

If you’ve been looking for luxury real estate in Naples or Long Beach, Ginette Skelton is the luxury real estate agent to have on speed dial. With more than 15 years of experience in the Long Beach area, she not only helps her clients buy and sell homes, but she has critical systems, networks, and resources in place to ensure your expectations are met and exceeded — every time. Contact Ginette today.