Bike on Water

Hydrobike Holiday Lights in Long Beach

12.15.2015

Los Angeles County

Dog Friendly, Water

Waterworld meets National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation on this most original way to see holiday lights. Get your ho-ho-ho's and your ha-ha-ha's hydrobiking along the wide-open, festively decorated canals of the Naples district in Long Beach. The hydrobike is essentially a regular bicycle frame mounted atop pontoons. Hop on a single bike or pair up on a double. You can hydrobike any time of the year, but it's especially magical at night right now, on the holiday lights pedaling tour. You'll bike along waterways bordered by uber-fancy homes that are decorated to the hilt, making it a popular light-viewing destination during weekends in December, when sidewalks are crowded and parking scarce. Your guide is Long Beach Hydrobikes, stationed on the channel leading out to the ocean from Alamitos Bay Landing. The tour takes about an hour, starting in the peaceful water of the channel before taking a spin through the brilliantly lit Rivo Alto Canal, where you can slow down or stop completely to ooh and ahh at the elaborate holiday displays (keep an eye out for the giant rotating dreidel in one upstairs widow). Dress up like Santa to stay warm and keep an eye out for an envious Rudolph above. Give it your Griswold best.

TIP: Long Beach Hydrobikes has daytime tours, and also offers sunset rides during the summer. In the colder months, the holiday tour is your only chance to get out on the water after dark.

Long Beach Hydrobikes is located at 110 N. Marina Dr., Long Beach. The dock can be a little hard to find after dark, but if you follow the directions on their website you shouldn't have any trouble. Reservations are required for the holiday lights tour. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

Dragon Quest
The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.
View
H is for Hawk Hill
After a nearly year-long closure, Hawk Hill in the legendary Marin Headlands recently emerged with a glow-up. Thank the hearty TLC from the National Park Service. This Golden Gate National Recreation Area gem now has a new trail along with revamped spaces for taking in timeless, grand views.
View
NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike
What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.
View
Sponsored
Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe
2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G
View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

You Go, Curl!
Hollywood Curling’s Learn to Curl classes make the perfect setting for newcomers. Take the ice, and friendly curling instructors will teach you the basics.
View
Eat, Sleep, Beach, Repeat
For an ultra-relaxing getaway where you can sit back and soak in some nature and nurture, head to Mendocino and follow this eat, beach, sleep, repeat itinerary (you won't regret it!) ...
View
This Skunk Doesn’t Stink!
All aboard for a ride through history—and through air scented with redwood, dewy ferns, forest-fresh breeze, and a bonus snack and beverage bar, fire pit, and short hike. The World-Famous Skunk Train delivers in every category: scenery, greenery, and towering redwoods.
View
Cherry on Top
How do you reach the Ultimate Destination in LA County? Cherry Canyon Park has a 2.5-mile out-and-back hike with a vista point called, well, the Ultimate Destination.
View