Neighborhood Guide
Naples Island
Canal-front and waterfront properties with premium rates
Iconic gondola rides attract year-round visitors
Quiet residential feel with proximity to Belmont Shore dining
Strong appeal for romantic getaways and special occasions
Limited rental inventory creates consistent demand
Vacation Rental Management in Naples Island
Naples Island is Long Beach's most distinctive vacation rental market. This man-made island community — developed in the early 1900s and modeled after its Italian namesake — features canal-front homes, arched pedestrian bridges, and a tranquil waterfront atmosphere that commands some of the highest nightly rates in the Long Beach area.
For property owners, Naples Island represents a premium rental opportunity built on natural scarcity: there are only so many canal-front homes, and guest demand for this one-of-a-kind setting remains strong year-round.
What Guests Love About Naples Island
The canals are the centerpiece of every Naples Island stay. Guests book here for the unique experience of waking up to waterfront views, watching Gondola Getaway boats glide past their windows, and exploring the island's charming walking paths that loop along the water's edge.
The proximity to Belmont Shore's 2nd Street dining scene — just a 5-minute walk across the bridge — gives guests the best of both worlds: resort-like serenity at their rental, with 10 blocks of restaurants, cafes, and bars a short stroll away. This combination is hard to find anywhere in Southern California.
Naples Island properties are especially popular for romantic getaways, anniversaries, and small family vacations. The neighborhood photographs exceptionally well — arched bridges, lush gardens reflected in the canals, and golden-hour light off the water — which translates directly into higher click-through rates on Airbnb and VRBO listings.
For active guests, Alamitos Bay offers calm-water kayaking and paddleboarding with rental shops nearby. The Peninsula's ocean beach is also within walking distance for guests who want both bay and ocean access during their stay.
Getting Around
Naples Island is small enough to explore entirely on foot — the full canal loop is about 2 miles. Parking is available on-island, though it can be tight during summer weekends. Most guests walk to Belmont Shore for dining rather than driving. Long Beach Airport is about 10 minutes away by car.
Why Owners Choose Naples Island
Naples Island properties consistently outperform the Long Beach average on ADR (average daily rate). The limited supply of vacation-rental-suitable homes on the island creates natural scarcity, and the neighborhood's visual appeal drives strong booking conversion rates.
Owners here benefit from a guest demographic that skews toward higher-spend travelers who treat their stay as an experience, not just a place to sleep. This translates to better property care, fewer damage incidents, and more positive reviews. It's a self-reinforcing cycle: premium guests leave great reviews, which attract more premium guests.
Location
Naples Island in Long Beach
Local Picks
Where to go in Naples Island
Curated recommendations from our local property management team — the same places we share with our guests.
Activity
Gondola Getaway
Authentic Venetian gondola cruises through the Naples canals. The signature Long Beach experience — book in advance for sunset rides.
Dining
Naples Rib Company
Casual spot for BBQ ribs and comfort food right on the island. A neighborhood staple with outdoor seating overlooking the marina.
Common Questions
Naples Island FAQ
Swimming in the canals isn't recommended or common — they're shallow tidal waterways primarily used by kayakers, paddleboarders, and the iconic Gondola Getaway boats. For swimming, Bayshore Beach and the Peninsula ocean beach are both within walking distance.
Naples Island connects to Belmont Shore via two bridges along 2nd Street and Appian Way. Most guests drive in and park on the island. It's also easily walkable from Belmont Shore — about a 5-minute walk across the bridge from 2nd Street dining and shops.
Yes — Gondola Getaway operates authentic Venetian gondola cruises through the Naples Island canals year-round. It's one of Long Beach's most popular attractions and a major reason guests book vacation rentals on Naples Island. Advance reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Naples Island is one of the most unique places to stay in all of Southern California. Canal-front properties offer waterfront views, a quiet residential atmosphere, and walking-distance access to Belmont Shore's restaurants on 2nd Street. It's particularly popular for romantic getaways and special occasions.
Naples Island was developed in the early 1900s as a planned community inspired by Naples, Italy. Developer Arthur Parson created the canal system and architectural vision. Today, the island retains its distinctive character with Italian-named streets, arched bridges, and a community that takes pride in maintaining the neighborhood's unique identity.
Naples Island is one of the safest neighborhoods in Long Beach. It's a quiet, residential island community with limited through-traffic and an active neighborhood association. Guests consistently comment on feeling safe walking the island paths day and night.
Keep Exploring
Other Long Beach neighborhoods
Alamitos Heights
Elevated residential neighborhood with tree-lined streets, Recreation Park access, and strong appeal for families and longer stays.
Read guide
Belmont Heights
Craftsman-rich neighborhood anchored by Retro Row on 4th Street, blending historic charm with a vibrant local culture that guests love.
Read guide
Local Management
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