As Valentine's Day approaches on February 14, romance is just around the bend. One of the most romantic ways to set the mood makes use of California's beautiful weather and relaxing waterways is the gondola ride. And, one of the oldest, most popular rides is in Naples, Calif., a community of Long Beach. The authentic Venetian gondola steered by a real gondolier winds under bridges and along canals styled after Napoli in Italy. Of course the gondola reservations fill up for Valentine's season but the bookings go from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, so be sure to call Gondola Getaway and check to see if you can make a reservation.

California Gondola Rides

• Long Beach / Naples Island - Gondola Getaway, gondolagetawayinc.com
• Newport Beach - Newport Gondola, newportbeach.gondola.com
• Redondo Beach - Gondola Amore, gondolaamore.net
  next to the Redondo Beach Pier
• Marina del Rey - Gondola Amore, gondolasdamore.com
• Coronado Island - Gondola Company, gondolas at Loews Coronado Bay Resort, gondolacompany.com
• San Marcos - Black Swan Gondola Company on Lake San Marcos, blackswangondolas.com
• Oakland - Dolce Vita Gondola, dolcevitagondola.com
  Lake Merritt 

If you've never ridden a gondola, it is a peaceful experience that allows you to focus on your guests you've invited — or a special love interest. Try it and you'll be singing in Italian, or at least kissing under every bridge (supposedly a custom).

Interesting tidbits: We asked questions a few intimate questions from several gondoliers and here's what they said:

Q. What is the most extreme thing you've seen when steering a gondola?

A. I've seen it all, I believe. If discretion is required, I and the other gondoliers are trained at that.

Q. How many proposals have you witnessed?

A. Thousands. We've even supplied the wedding gondola for several who got married on a gondola.

Q. Has anyone ever turned down a proposal on a gondola ride?

A. Very few have said no. You can count them on one hand.

Q. When is the best time to ride?

A. There's never a bad time. But many do prefer sunset rides.

Q. Do you have any tips or advice for first time riders?

A. Bring sweaters or jackets. We supply blankets. You may bring wine, your own foods and and love potions such as chocolate covered strawberries, or rose petals. Contact us ahead and we'll help you create an impression customizing your event & ride.

Q. How many can ride a gondola?

A. Most our gondolas handle up to six people. There are some special, larger gondolas that can seat 12, however.