Summer will be here before we know it, so it’s about time to map out new destinations to visit during your travel nursing assignments. When we think of summer, sunny beaches often come to mind, and luckily you’re spoiled when it comes to travel nursing in the U.S.A. If you want to feel the sand between your toes, there are beaches for every taste, from New England to New Jersey, California to Michigan.
Ready to catch some rays? Take a look at these five destinations to help guide your next travel nursing contract.
Driftwood Beach, Georgia
Located on Jekyll Island, one of the four barrier islands that make up Georgia’s Golden Isles, Driftwood Beach is a must-visit spot thanks to its striking trees and driftwood-covered sand. What was once a maritime forest is now a sandy shore lined with weathered tree trunks and branches formed from decades of erosion. Driftwood Beach offers stunning views of the southern shoreline of Georgia and is open all year. This location is ideal for a morning picnic, a sunny afternoon walk, and even stargazing late at night. The beach also welcomes furry friends!
Ocean City, Maryland
Our travel nurses fall in love with this ’70s-themed Mid-Atlantic shore town, where you can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, and even kayaking and canoeing. Take part in the free summer celebrations, including movies, concerts, and fireworks. Ocean City has something for everyone—families looking for some fun in the sun, individuals looking to party all night, and beach bums who need nothing more than a good spot to sunbathe on the 10-mile shoreline.
If you need a break from the sun, shop at an endless variety of stores, grab a bite to eat at amazing restaurants, or head for the arcades and amusements.
Mustang Island, Texas
Stretching from Corpus Christi to Port Aransas, this 18-mile-long barrier island is a favorite beach destination for families and active travelers. This idyllic location is great for camping, picnicking, fishing, swimming, hiking, sunbathing, and surfing. The Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail, a 20-mile series of shallow-water canals and offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard opportunities. If you’re not looking to break a sweat during your visit, you can stretch out and watch for turtles, dolphins, and birds.
Clearwater, Florida
Often called the best beach in the country, Clearwater Beach is a laid-back destination that draws in visitors year-round. You can enjoy jet-skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding in the calm waters, or glide along the promenade with other cyclists and rollerbladers. Tampa Bay also borders Clearwater Beach, sharing some of its paradisiacal happenings and world-class art. Be sure to stop at one of the casual seafood restaurants and cafes.
For more adventures, find hatching sea turtles and rehabilitating dolphins at the local Marine Aquarium, the largest collection of Salvador Dalí art outside of Spain, and Pier 60—the perfect place to watch the sunset and experience nightly festival with street performers and craft vendors.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach is one of Oregon’s most unique and recognizable destinations, with its nine miles of beach offering a peaceful backdrop for swimming, walking, kayaking, and bird-watching. Cannon Beach, Oregon’s seemingly endless coastline boasts misty, enchanting views like no other and features tide pools filled with sea life and puffin habitats.
Not far from the city of Portland, Cannon Beach is most famous for its most recognizable icon: Haystack Rock. This colossal landmark rises 235 feet above the ocean floor, like the centerpiece of the Pacific.
There’s so much stuff to experience with travel nursing jobs in the USA; it’s impossible to do it all. There are enough things to do and see while on travel nursing assignments to last you decades—from the fun cities to visit, epic national parks to the stunning islands! If you can’t wait to start your next adventure, take a look at our job board.
Be sure to bring your sunscreen!
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