
While traveling over 6,000 miles to Italy isn’t always an option, there’s still the option of taking a 30-minute drive to Long Beach for a taste of European life. You can glide down the stunning Naples Canals on 38-foot asymmetrical beauties as Gondoliers propel you down under the romantic, high-arching bridges as you travel past the Accademia, to the Ravenna, to the Toledo and the Neapolitan East and then the famous “Treasure Island” bridge.
Gondolas first appeared in these parts back in 1903 when the Islands were developed into a Venetian-style neighborhood or the “Dreamland of Southern California” by Arthur Parsons and his land company. The grand canals and stunning bridges, which are similar to the “Venice of America” developed by Abbot Kinney in Los Angeles, connect the islands as well as the community of Alamitos Bay.
Each cruise lasts an hour and can carry up to 6 passengers with several booking options for special occasions, from champagne wedding celebrations or wine tastings featuring decadent charcuterie boards to brunch dates.
Valentine’s Day packages come with a gorgeous long-stemmed rose and a keepsake photo to immortalize the precious moments. If you want to pour your heart out but don’t know how to say it, you can always add on a message in a bottle for your special someone.
However, it’s Wonderland of Lights and decor throughout December that is truly special. The water is illuminated into a kaleidoscopic river of lights with reflections from the holiday installations covering the walkways and bridges.
You can also always book a cruise for someone special as a gift and even request a message in a bottle or rose petals. Prices for their Holiday Lights Gondola start at $200 for 2-4 people. Get full booking details here!
Location: 📍5437 E Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90803