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The Best of Naples, Long Beach: A Local Guide to One of Long Beach’s Most Beautiful Neighborhoods
There’s something undeniably special about Naples.
Tucked along the water in Long Beach, Naples feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its winding canals, charming bridges, waterfront homes, beautiful gardens, and laid-back coastal atmosphere, it’s one of those neighborhoods that invites you to slow down and enjoy where you are.
Whether you're a longtime local, a first-time visitor, or simply looking for somewhere beautiful to spend the afternoon, Naples has plenty to offer.
Here’s our guide to the best of Naples, Long Beach.
Walk the Naples Canals
The canals are the heart and soul of Naples.
Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront and over the neighborhood's many bridges. Along the way, you'll see beautifully landscaped homes, colorful gardens, boats tucked along the docks, and plenty of those little details that make Naples feel so different from anywhere else in Long Beach.
It's a particularly beautiful place to walk in the late afternoon, when the sun starts to drop and the water reflects the surrounding homes and palm trees.
And don't forget your camera. There are photo opportunities around practically every corner.
Get Out on the Water
Naples isn't just beautiful from the shoreline—it's meant to be experienced from the water, too.
Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are great ways to explore the canals and Alamitos Bay at your own pace. If you'd rather sit back and let someone else do the work, a gondola ride through the canals is one of the most memorable experiences Naples has to offer.
There's something pretty magical about seeing the neighborhood from the water, especially around sunset.
Spend Some Time at Mother's Beach
Mother's Beach is one of the area's favorite spots for families and anyone looking for a relaxed beach day.
Located along Alamitos Bay, the protected water makes it especially popular with families. Pack a picnic, bring the kids, grab a towel, and settle in for an afternoon by the water.
It's also a great place to simply sit and watch the boats and paddleboarders go by.
Eat Your Way Through Naples
One of the best things about Naples is its food scene.
You don't have to go far to find a great meal, and there is a nice mix of longtime neighborhood favorites and newer restaurants bringing fresh energy to the area.
Bacari
https://www.eatwithbacari.com/long-beach
The newest addition to the Naples dining scene, Bacari has quickly become a restaurant to know.
Bacari brings a Venetian-inspired, Mediterranean small-plates concept to Naples. The menu is designed for sharing, making it a fun choice when you're dining with friends, enjoying a date night, or simply want to try several different dishes.
The atmosphere is stylish and energetic, with a beautiful setting that makes dinner feel like an occasion.
Our take: Put Bacari on your list if you're looking for creative food, cocktails, and a lively dining experience.
Marlena
https://www.marlena-longbeach.com/
If you haven't tried Marlena, this is your sign.
Located in Naples Plaza, Marlena has become a neighborhood favorite for its seasonal, Mediterranean-inspired menu and beautiful outdoor setting.
The restaurant focuses on wood-fired cooking, with pizzas, house-made pastas, seafood, grilled specialties, and dishes that are perfect for sharing.
Marlena is also a wonderful choice for brunch on the weekend.
Our take: Marlena has that perfect Naples combination of great food, a relaxed atmosphere, and an inviting outdoor setting. It's easy to see why it's become such a hit.
Naples Rib Company
For something a little more casual, there's Naples Rib Company.
A longtime Long Beach favorite, this is the place to go when you're craving ribs, barbecue, and hearty comfort food. It's casual, energetic, and decidedly different from the newer dining options around Naples.
Come hungry and plan on leaving satisfied.
Kihon
For sushi lovers, Kihon is another restaurant worth knowing.
The restaurant focuses on Japanese cuisine with an emphasis on fresh fish and carefully prepared dishes. It's a great option when you're looking for an intimate dinner or want to change things up from the area's Mediterranean and Italian-inspired restaurants.
Explore Naples Plaza
Naples Plaza is one of those convenient neighborhood spots where you can easily spend a little more time than you planned.
Grab a coffee, meet a friend for lunch, browse the shops, or make dinner part of your Naples outing.
It's also a great jumping-off point for exploring the surrounding canals and neighborhood streets.
Don't Rush It
Perhaps the best advice for exploring Naples is simple: don't rush.
Naples isn't really a neighborhood you conquer in a couple of hours. Its charm is in the wandering.
Walk the canals. Stop on a bridge. Watch the boats. Grab lunch. Sit by the water. Take a gondola ride. Come back for dinner.
Let the day unfold.
Visit During the Holidays
Naples becomes especially magical during the holiday season.
The neighborhood's homes and boats are decorated with lights, turning the canals into a festive winter wonderland. The annual Naples Boat Parade is one of Long Beach's beloved holiday traditions and draws visitors from throughout the area.
It's one of those Long Beach traditions that's worth experiencing at least once.
A Perfect Day in Naples
If you're planning a day in Naples, here's an easy itinerary:
Morning: Grab coffee and take a walk along the canals.
Late morning: Head out on the water for kayaking, paddleboarding, or a gondola ride.
Lunch: Enjoy a relaxed meal in Naples.
Afternoon: Spend some time at Mother's Beach or wander the neighborhood.
Happy Hour: Meet friends for a drink or enjoy the outdoor atmosphere at one of Naples' restaurants.
Dinner: Make a reservation at Marlena or try Bacari for shareable plates and cocktails.
Evening: Take one last walk along the canals