Sun, sand, and a smarter you. If you’re heading to Naples for NTI CPE courses, you’re in for more than great learning. This Gulf-coast gem delivers sugar-soft beaches, serene nature, luxe dining, and mellow nightlife—perfect for unwinding between sessions. Use this guide to plan your off-hours so your Naples trip feels like a mini-vacation, too.
Beach Time: Soft Sand & Calm Surf
Naples is famous for wide, white-sand beaches and gentle waves—ideal for a quick reset before or after class. Top picks:
- Vanderbilt Beach – Easy access, calm water, nearby cafés.
- Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park – Nature-forward, great shelling.
- Lowdermilk Park – Family-friendly with facilities and shade pavilions.
Pro tip: Hit the beach early for hassle-free parking and cooler temps.
Golden Hour at Naples Pier
No Naples trip is complete without a sunset at the historic Naples Pier. Watch for dolphins cruising along the surf as the sky turns watercolor pink and orange. If you’ve got an evening break, this is the spot.
Fifth Avenue South & Third Street South: Dining, Art, and Strolls
Downtown Naples is delightfully walkable:
- Fifth Avenue South – Upscale restaurants, gelato, galleries, live music.
- Third Street South – Garden courtyards, boutiques, and chic cafés.
- The Baker Museum (Artis—Naples) – When you want air-conditioned culture.
What to try: Gulf grouper sandwiches, key lime pie, and—when in season—Florida stone crab (roughly late fall to spring).
Nature Fix: Botanical Gardens, Boardwalks & Backwaters
If you recharge in green spaces, Naples overdelivers:
- Naples Botanical Garden – Vibrant themed gardens, lakes, and shady paths.
- Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary – A famed boardwalk through ancient cypress.
- Rookery Bay – Kayak or take an eco-tour through mangrove estuaries.
Light schedule day? Book a morning paddle and you’ll still be back in time for afternoon study.
On the Water: Boats, Dolphins, and Sunset Cruises
The Gulf is calm—perfect for:
- Dolphin-spotting cruises and shelling trips.
- Sunset catamaran sails.
- Stand-up paddleboard or beach kayak rentals.
Departures often leave from Tin City or nearby marinas, so you can pair your cruise with dinner.
Day Trips & Unique Finds
- Everglades Airboat Ride – Big-sky scenery and wildlife just a short drive east.
- Marco Island – Extra-wide beaches and quiet vibes for a half-day escape.
- Revs Institute – World-class automotive museum for gearheads and design lovers.
Golf & Wellness
Naples is a golf paradise with beautifully maintained courses. Prefer spa time? Many resorts offer day-pass access to pools, steam rooms, and restorative treatments—great after a full day of learning.
Rain-Plan Ideas (Because Florida)
Afternoon showers are common in summer. Keep these in your pocket:
- The Baker Museum, Revs Institute, or a gallery hop on Fifth Ave.
- Cooking classes or a leisurely high tea.
- Boutique shopping—easy, air-conditioned browsing.
Sample “CPE + Play” Itinerary
Day 1 (Arrival): Check in → sunset at Naples Pier → dinner on Fifth Avenue South.
Day 2 (Course Day): Early beach walk → NTI CPE sessions → late-afternoon Naples Botanical Garden → tapas downtown.
Day 3 (Course Day): Coffee + pastry → sessions → sunset boat cruise → gelato stroll.
Bonus Day: Morning boardwalk at Corkscrew → lunch → head home recharged.
Practical Tips
- Getting around: Rideshare is plentiful; parking can fill near the beach—arrive early.
- What to pack: Resort-casual attire, light layers (meeting rooms can be cool), sun protection, comfy sandals.
- Dining: Popular spots book up—reserve if you’re dining right after sessions.
Make the Most of Your Naples Stay
Turn your continuing education into a true Gulf-coast getaway. Check the NTI CPE Naples course calendar, then pencil in a sunset, a garden walk, and one great meal—you’ve earned it.