The 10 Top States for Travel Nurses (Spring)

Travel nurses have a unique opportunity to travel throughout the U.S. while living in different states and cities and not as tourists. Living and working in an area for 13-26 weeks allows travel nurses to fully experience the location at their leisure, including the events and landmarks that draw tourists to the area, without the hassle of living out of a suitcase.

Travel nurses can live a life of adventure. Each season brings new opportunities to visit states where the weather is perfect for your favorite activities, the scenery engages your senses, or the annual events are fun and exciting. These are some of the best states for travel nurses to accept assignments in the spring months.

These states were chosen based on scenery, weather, and events during the spring season.

When you’re looking for a new adventure in the spring months, travel nurses don’t have to look far. Visit the beaches in California, get in spring skiing in Colorado, or enjoy the early Broadway plays in New York. Here’s a list of 10 of the best states for travel nurses during the spring and early summer months.

Source: kanonsky / Getty Images

California is home to the Sierra Nevada mountains and the rugged coastline of Big Sur. Travel nurses can enjoy the lush redwood forests of the North Coast or the super bloom of wildflowers in Southern California during spring.

While the days are warm, the nights are often cool and refreshing. The weather is perfect to enjoy biking, hiking, or camping, as well as taking advantage of popular events and festivals — such as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Stagecoach Festival, and the annual Sacramento Music Festival.

The mecca of California theme parks in Orange County, such as Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Knott’s Berry Farm (which is located just seven miles from Disneyland), is all open in the spring.

Source: DaveAlan / Getty Images

Travel nurses can enjoy stunning scenery, beautiful weather, and a wide range of events and attractions in Oregon. The state is home to lush green forests, fields of wildflowers, and breathtaking waterfalls that are a must-see for nature lovers.

Travel nurses will find the days warm and sunny and the evenings cool and comfortable, which is perfect to enjoy the state’s many parks and wilderness areas. These include iconic landmarks from the Crater Lake National Park to the historic Oregon Trail.

Many events are held in Oregon during the spring, including the Portland Rose Festival, the annual Oregon Chocolate Festival, and the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. If it’s theater you prefer, the first week in April is southern Oregon’s Ashland Independent Film Festival, where over 100 films are shown in five days. If it’s wine tasting you want, Willamette Valley is home to over 500 wineries and vineyards.

Source: Edmund Lowe Photography / Getty Images

Washington state is another stunningly beautiful area with lush green forests and snowcapped mountains. Wildflowers are in bloom during the spring months when the weather is mild and comfortable. The Washington State Fair happens in the spring months alongside the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, Kelsey Creek sheep shearing, and the Seattle Cherry Blossom festival.

The state is also home to many landmarks and attractions including the Space Needle in Seattle and Mount Rainier National Park. If it’s food and wine you’re looking for, visit Yakima Valley, Walla Walla, and the Columbia Valley. All are popular destinations for wine tastings.

During the spring months, you can still ski and snowboard in the mountains or enjoy a walk along the beach of Puget Sound or the Pacific Ocean.

Spring is an ideal time to visit Washington State where there’s something for nearly everyone to enjoy.

Source: siep bueneker / Getty Images

Arizona is known for its natural landscapes throughout the year. The deserts, canyons, and mountain ranges are especially beautiful in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom and you can enjoy milder temperatures. The days are often sunny and pleasant, which makes it ideal for outdoor activities.

Consider taking in the film festivals, NASCAR weekend, and rodeo roundups. Arizona is also home to landmarks that are worth visiting in the spring, including Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. For golfers, Arizona has world-class golf courses; springtime is the perfect time to hit the links.

If you’re looking for an overall view, try a hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert when the weather is mild and the views are lovely.

Source: Brad McGinley Photography / Getty Images

There are many reasons to visit Colorado in the spring. You’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery with snowcapped mountains in the background and an array of wildflowers blooming in the spring. The weather is pleasant, typically in the 60s and 70s during the day and cooling off significantly at night.

It’s perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and biking through one of the four national parks. The state hosts several festivals and events, including the Denver Cherry Blossom Festival, Colorado Renaissance Festival, MeadowGrass Music Festival, and the Green Box Arts Festival.

Source: Darrell Gulin / Getty Images

During spring in Texas, you’ll enjoy mild temperatures and low humidity, a far cry from what it’s like in the summer. It’s perfect weather for outdoor activities and enjoying some of the Rolling Hills of Hill Country or the deserts of West Texas. In addition to natural beauty, the state offers a variety of events and festivals during the spring months. These include the Texas Bluebonnet Festival, the Texas Sand Fest, and the Texas Book Festival.

Major sporting events include PGA golf tournaments, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and the Texas Relays. If you’re looking for attractions, consider the Space Center in Houston, the Alamo in San Antonio, and the Padre Island National Seashore.

Throughout the spring months, Texas offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, exciting events, and rich cultural attractions.

Source: Michael Warren / Getty Images

Florida is a vacation destination no matter what time of the year. The state has pleasant scenery, beaches, and lush tropical forests. Spring is ideal because the weather is warm and comfortable, with temperatures typically not going above the 80s. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the state’s many nature trails.

The state is also known for events and festivals, including the Florida Strawberry Festival, the SunFest Music Festival, and the Gasparilla Pirate Festival. During the spring months, you can watch PGA golf tournaments. The state is also home to many popular attractions, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Seaworld, and the Kennedy Space Center.

Everglades National Park and the Florida Keys are rich with natural beauty and wildlife. You can explore the rich history of the state by visiting museums and landmarks like the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, and the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

Source: Andria Patino / Getty Images

New York City is a magical experience, and in the spring, it’s even more so. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned New Yorker, the city has something to offer to everyone in the spring. Central Park, Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, and the High Line are filled with blooming flowers and trees.

The weather is mild, making it ideal to explore the city on foot and the spring season is packed with events like the annual Macy’s Flower Show, the Tribeca Film Festival, and the New York International Auto Show. The city is also home to the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture.

Source: vermontalm / Getty Images

Vermont is stunning in the spring. If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, quaint small towns, or cultural experiences, Vermont has something for everyone. The state is known for its natural beauty with rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling rivers that offer eye-catching views.

During spring, the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities. The state hosts the Vermont Maple Festival, the Vermont Cheese Festival, and the Vermont Wine and Harvest Festival. This gives you a chance to sample some of the state’s delicious local produce and learn about its rich agricultural heritage.

Travel nurses can take the time to visit some of the charming small towns, each with its own unique character and history. You can also explore several state parks and natural landmarks, such as the Green Mountains, Lake Champlain, and the Vermont State Capitol Building.

Source: WerksMedia / Getty Images

South Carolina boasts some of the most diverse landscapes in the country. Spring is the perfect time to take it all in. You can explore the subtropical forests of the Lowcountry or the rolling hills and waterfalls of the Upstate. The state offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and exciting events and activities that make it a perfect destination.

You’ll enjoy mild temperatures which are ideal for outdoor activities and a full lineup of events like the South Carolina Peach Festival, South Carolina Oyster Festival, and the Lowcountry Cajun Festival.

South Carolina is home to historic sites and landmarks, such as Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, and the Aiken-Rhett House. If you’re looking for beaches, you’ll want to visit Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, and Kiawah Island. Added to this are several botanical gardens, zoos, state parks, and the Congaree National Park.

Choosing your next destination is just one part of preparing for your next assignment as a travel nurse. As you’re preparing to travel, be sure to keep an eye out for networking opportunities with healthcare professionals. Talk or meet with travel nurses who have worked at the hospital you’ve chosen to get the inside scoop.

Consider coordinating your first assignment with a friend or a travel nurse you know from your unit. Having a familiar face in a strange city can sometimes make a big difference.