Naples, Long Beach facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Naples, California
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Naples Island is in the middle distance in this photo, with Belmont Park in the foreground, Belmont Shore to the right, and The Peninsula and the neighboring city of Seal Beach beyond, looking southeast.
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 Naples, California
Location in Long Beach, California
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  California |
| County |  Los Angeles |
| City |  Long Beach |
Naples is a cool neighborhood in Long Beach, California. It's built on three islands in Alamitos Bay. These islands are separated by canals, just like the famous city of Venice in Italy! Many streets here have Italian names. In the middle of Naples, there's a big fountain that's a popular meeting spot. The whole area was named after the beautiful Italian city of Naples.
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History of Naples
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Long ago, the area where Naples is now was just marshland. This was part of Alamitos Bay, near the San Gabriel River. Around 1903, a man named Arthur M. Parsons had a big idea. He raised money to buy this marshland.
Construction started in 1905. Workers reshaped the land and water to create the three islands of Naples. The design was made by Mayberry & Parker. They wanted to create a place with canals and gondolas, much like the "Venice of America" further up the coast. Parsons' company called their plan the "Dreamland of Southern California." They imagined "gay gondoliers" floating through the canals, just like in Italy.
The project was finished in the 1920s. Later, in 1938, the seawall had to be rebuilt after the 1933 Long Beach earthquake. From 1904 to 1950, a special train line called the Pacific Electric Balboa Line served the neighborhood.
Fun Activities in Naples
Mother's Beach
This beach is super calm and safe, which is why it's often called "Mother's Beach." It has gentle waves and a shallow swimming area. During busy times, lifeguards are on duty. You can find volleyball courts, a play area, and picnic spots here. It's a great place for families to relax and play.
Christmas Boat Parade
One of the most exciting events in Naples is the "Naples Island Christmas Boat Parade." This happens every Christmas season. Many boats decorated with lights and festive themes sail through the canals of Naples. They also go around Alamitos Bay and past Belmont Shore. This parade has been a tradition since 1946!
Another fun tradition is the "Trees in the Bay." This started in 1949 and features floating Christmas trees.
Bay Adventures
Near Naples Island, you can find places to rent different kinds of boats. You can try kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or even hydro biking. Hydro bikes are like pedal boats but are higher up. This gives you a better view of the surroundings. You can rent them for one person or two!
Overlook Park
Locally, this small park is known as Naples Plaza. It's a tear-drop shaped piece of land right by the bay. It has benches where you can sit and enjoy views of Seal Beach and Los Alamitos Bay.
La Bella Fontana di Napoli
Right in the middle of Naples Island, there's a lovely small park. It has benches, grassy areas, and is just a block away from bay views. The main feature is an elegant, three-tiered fountain. It was first called "Circle Park Naples" in 1933. Then it became "Bella Flora Park" in 1934. Finally, in 1971, it got its current name: "La Bella Fontana di Napoli." It's a perfect spot for a picnic!
Schools in Naples
Students living in Naples go to schools in the Long Beach Unified School District. These include:
- Naples Bayside Academy
- Will Rogers Middle School
- Wilson Classical High School
Architecture in Naples
Naples is known for some interesting buildings. Some famous architects have designed homes here. These include buildings by Edward Killingsworth and Ray Kappe. Their designs often feature modern styles.
