One of the greatest things about being a travel nurse is getting to explore new places around the country! Discovering hidden beauties and uncovering new experiences can be almost as rewarding as providing your patients with the best care. Make sure your treat yourself as well as you treat your clients by devoting some of your extra time to exploration. After spending your week hard at work, there is no better way to spend your day off than to find what adventures await you at your latest station.
If you have been stationed in Florida for a travel nurse assignment, nothing but excitement lies ahead. In addition to its warm and bright climate, there is no shortage of unique experiences to be had in the Sunshine State. From amusement parks to nature reserves, Florida has fun for all types of travelers whether you are an avid adrenaline junkie, a history fanatic, a devoted nature lover, or all three.
Kennedy Space Center
Take yourself on a trip to the Kennedy Space Center on Florida’s Space Coast. Only about an hour’s drive outside of Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center is one of the most exciting and educational attractions in Florida. The visitor complex houses mission zones, featuring interactive exhibits that teach you about the USA’s space exploration missions, show you real space rockets, and even introduce you to an astronaut. Included in your daily admission ticket is the “Behind the Gates” Kennedy Space Center bus tour. This tour takes you around the complex to many restricted areas such as training facilities and historic launch sites. Designed for all ages, these tours exhibits provide an engaging experience for adults and families alike.
Everglades National Park
Egrets, American crocodiles, turtles, deer, Florida panthers, manatees, and river otters are all wild animals you will encounter over the 1.5 million acres of Everglades National Park. Set between Lake Okeechobee and the Bay of Florida, the park follows the connecting, limestone-bottomed river. The park offers both half-day and full-day tours of the Everglades from Miami that feature 30-minute airboat rides and an educational wildlife program with the addition of city sightseeing and a Biscayne Bay cruise for the full-day experience. As one of the largest of its kind in America, experiencing this park is a must while you are in Florida.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
For those interested in the history of electricity and motor vehicles, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates will certainly spark your interest. Situated next to each other on the Fort Myers oceanfront, Edison and Ford’s mansions offer a trip inside the minds and lives of two of America’s greatest innovators. The Edison estate also houses a National Historic Chemical Landmark, the Edison Botanical Research Lab. Tours of the homes and outer buildings will show you the sites of multiple of Edison’s most profound experiments and botanical research projects, as well as the palm-lined grounds of the Ford estate. With beautiful views of the ocean and historical experimentation sites, the Edison and Ford estates are a unique experience you will never forget.
Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg
Calling all art fans and lovers of surrealism! St. Petersburg’s biggest museum is dedicated to the life and work of Salvador Dalí. The modern building that houses a large collection of his work was designed with Dalí at the forefront, featuring curving glass around the boxy structure. One of the best things about this museum is the progression of Dalí’s art that it showcases. Even those unfamiliar with his work will be able to appreciate the detailed exploration of Dalí as an artist, and will undeniably find appreciation for his artistic movement, making this museum one of the most remarkable in the state!
SeaWorld Orlando
As one of the most popular SeaWorld’s in the country, SeaWorld Orlando has everything you could possibly want in an aquatic adventure. The classic dolphin and whale shows, that even guest-star other animals like cats, ducks, and sea lions, are sure to blow you out of the water. Another favorite is the Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin display and other marine life exhibits, but of course, you cannot forget the other SeaWorld attractions—the roller coaster rides. For thrill-seekers, the Mako roller coaster is sure to excite, reaching speeds of up to 73 miles per hour. Still, you cannot leave the park without taking a ride on the famous Journey to Atlantis water coaster ride. Whether you are an animal or adrenaline lover, SeaWorld Orlando is here to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
Walt Disney World
A list of Florida’s attractions would be incomplete without the mention of the magical, happiest place on earth—Walt Disney World! Providing you with the greatest amusement park experiences in America, Disney World is home to seemingly endless rides and attractions, with four themed parks in all and two water parks. Within the park, visitors can discover the magic of Magic Kingdom; splash around the Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon waterparks; visit exotic animals at Animal Kingdom Park; eat and drink around the world at EPCOT; and explore foreign lands of Toy Story and Star Wars at Hollywood Studios. No matter what you do with your time at Disney World, you are sure to have a magical experience.
In the sunshine state, nothing but incredible adventure awaits. Traveling for nursing jobs is a great way to explore the world, make great money, and help take your career to the next level. If you want to give travel nursing a try, take a look at our job board for travel nurse jobs in the top travel nurse locations!
