Naples Boat Parade 2024 in California

Illuminated boat parades are a great holiday tradition in Southern California. Without snow and ice, this is what Golden State's Christmas looks like. Spectators book waterfront restaurants and cafes a long time in advance to witness the spectacle up close. Just an hour's drive from LA, Naples Island hosts one of the most stunning Christmas events of the holiday season. Houses on Naples Island are famous for extraordinary displays of Christmas and Hanukkah lights, creating a wonderful backdrop for the parade. It makes the island a great Christmas destination in Southern California.

Parade Route for Bigger Boats

Interestingly enough, large and small boats go in opposite directions and pass along different routes to ensure the safety of the participants. Both routes circle Naples Island and are a sight to see, with vibrant illumination, Santa on board, and various holiday personalities greeting the spectators. Large boats parade along the peninsula, starting from Naples Plaza Park and continuing along Vis de Golfo.

The boats then turn right and float along Corso di Napoli, turning right at the end of Treasure Island and heading toward the 2nd Street Bridge. On the route, larger vessels pass Alamitos Bay Yacht Club, Seal Beach, Marine Bureau, Sea Scouts Base, and the Long Beach Yacht Club. They then finish at the end of Appian Way.

Parade Route for Smaller Boats

Small boats travel closer to the edges of the channel and set off slightly later than bigger ships. They begin their journey at the Appian Way Bridge, continue along Bay Shore Avenue, and pass under Belmont Shore 2nd Bridge along Naples Island. Small boats turn into the Naple Canals through the West Entrance, float clockwise, and exit near the Colonnade. After a brief journey past Lido Lane, the boats stop near the Long Beach Yacht Club.

Schedule

Staging for both parts of the parade begins at approximately 5 pm. The big boat parade kicks off at 6 pm, while the small boat parade continues the show at 6:30 pm.

Best Places to Watch the Parade

The best spots to view the parade are bridges and waterfronts along the canals around Naples Island. The 2nd Street Bridge, Appian Way Bridge, and Alamitos Bay Marina are good locations to see larger boats. Since the boats travel through the Naples Canal, most of the walks and pathways along the canal also make for great viewing spots. Unfortunately, you won't be able to see the parade from a restaurant, so consider dining in one of the wonderful restaurants in the area and then walking to the parade.

Parking

Parking can be extremely limited on the parade night. However, there are some options you should consider. Alamitos Bay Marina offers a huge parking lot. You can also find parking spots at Mothers Beach off Ravenna, Appian Way, and Ocean Boulevard.

Getting to Naples Island

Getting to the Naples Island is a piece of cake. If you're coming from the North, exit the 405 at Studebaker. However, if you're heading from the South, you should exit 7th Street and then turn on Studebaker. After the Pacific Coast Highway (the second light), go straight over the Davies Bridge, and you'll arrive at your destination!