With spring comes new adventures! If you’re on the lookout for your next travel RN location or travel therapy destination, this list will help the planning begin. Beautiful scenery, warmer weather, and outdoor lifestyles are all within your reach. Whether you’re looking for a low-key, relaxing spot to enjoy your weekends, or good food and nightlife, there’s something for everyone on this list to enjoy.
Washington, D.C.
History lovers, this city may be your ideal next temporary home as a travel PT. Washington, DC is the home of many historical landmarks and museums that are perfect for your weekend activities. Take a tour of the Smithsonian Institution, which is a group of Smithsonian museums ranging from cultural art and history to air and space. Enjoy the amazing art collections of The National Art Gallery and The Phillips Collection. Spend your days off viewing the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Located on the National Mall, it is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture.
If you love seasonal festivals, Washington, DC is the spot to be in March and April! The National Cherry Blossom Festival flourishes during the spring with a blooming period that can last up to 14 days. If you’re looking to go on a walk or run before work, take a stroll through the Cherry Blossom Festival and find the perfect photo ops. You can stop at Tidal Basin, Jefferson Memorial, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial to enjoy the beauty and snap a picture.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Jazz music, beautiful weather, concerts, and parties galore; this is what you will find when you make New Orleans your home. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival happens in the spring and has the most diverse list of genres. Plus, fairground food vendors abound with signature Cajun and crawfish dishes. Grab some crawfish bread and party with names like Lizzo, Lionel Richie, The Lumineers, and The Who.
April brings even more festivals every week with outdoor concerts and live performances in the French Quarter and more. New Orleans in the spring gives beautiful weather with sunny days of wearing shorts and cool evenings into the 70s. The Crescent City Classic, a 10K run, is the perfect way to tour the city, running through Jackson Square, French Quarter, the historical Treme neighborhood, and Esplanade Ave.
Virginia
If outdoor adventure and festivals interest you, Virginia is a great spot to envision yourself on your next travel nursing jobs. Shenandoah National Park runs along the Blue Ridge Mountains and is the perfect spot to explore waterfalls and wetlands. Shenandoah in the Spring means the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival is in full swing. This fest comes with events, concerts, dance parades, and celebrates the blossoms of apple trees.
Considered the largest outdoor sports and music festival, look into attending the Dominion Energy Riverrock. Relish in food, craft beer, and wine alongside a 3-day riverside experience. For more wine events, check out the Spring Wine Festival and sunset tour at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Bring a blanket and kick back on the estate’s lawn where you can overlook Potomac River while you sip wine and listen to live music. Virginia is full of festivals, fun, and experiences that you won’t get anywhere else.
South Carolina
From rural living, the beach, and downtown styles, South Carolina has it all. Take a visit to Greenville and enjoy the mountain feel while going downtown for food, drinks, and events. Stroll through Falls park and over Liberty bridge to see a 62-foot waterfall and rock formations. If you are looking to add some shopping to your day, West End’s District shopping area is perfect for any retail therapy you may need. Nightlife vibes are at Blu Nightclub and surrounding local restaurants. Headed toward the coast from Greenville, you will stumble upon Columbia, South Carolina, where unique drinks are served at the Art Bar and Hunter-Gatherer Brewery and Ale House. Hike the Saluda River Trails or Three Rivers Greenway for the perfect view.
If the beach is the place you are looking to be, Myrtle Beach has all the popular shopping, beachfront dining, and entertainment. Check out the Dixie Stampede dinner show, House of Blues, and Carolina Opry for memorable music experiences. River Island Adventures is perfect for outdoor activities and kayaking. Another historical stop in South Carolina is in Charleston, where tours downtown of civil war battle sites are available. Make a lunch stop to enjoy the southern cuisine at Peninsula Grill or plans for rooftop fun at The Cocktail Club. Here, the weather is enjoyable during the day with a light jacket at night. South Carolina has so much to offer and could be your picture-perfect next stop for travel therapy.
California
California varies in weather and things to do, depending on where you are going! If you’re looking for great weather to do outdoor activities, Palm Springs is a great choice and has landmarks to visit like the Joshua Tree National Park. Santa Cruz brings the laid-back beach life and has its famous Beach Boardwalk with all kinds of vendors. Central coast doesn’t get any better when you go to Big Sur with seaside overlooks and waterfalls, providing the perfect spot for a beach day or hiking. If you’re looking for a ski trip during the spring, Lake Tahoe has got you covered with ski resorts open through the early months.
Change gears in Sonoma County hills to hang out with giraffes, zebras, rhinos, cheetahs, and more at Safari West for the day. Don’t forget Disneyland in Anaheim, California, and Universal Studios Hollywood with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park! The Spring Equinox is a significant time of celebration, including festivals hosted by members of Iranian and Japanese cultures. California has tons of things to enjoy! Depending on what you are looking for, you can decide what part of the state where you would like to spend your time.
Spring is in the air, and so is your next travel allied health job! Springtime brings tons of festivals and warmer weather, so the adventure opportunities are endless in these beautiful cities. There is so much to do on your days off, and you are sure to get an experience you will never forget.
