As a travel nurse who’s hopped between hospitals across the country, I’ve lost count of how many fellow nurses ask me about the best places to take assignments. Like many healthcare workers, I understand the mix of excitement and uncertainty that comes with choosing your next destination. “Travel nursing lets you experience different healthcare systems while exploring new places,” says Sarah Chen, a placement coordinator who’s helped hundreds of nurses find their perfect match. “Each city offers its own unique medical environment and lifestyle opportunities.”
While the options might seem overwhelming at first, picking your next assignment becomes easier once you know what to look for. Whether you’re chasing better pay, searching for work-life balance, or hoping to gain experience in specific specialties, I’ve put together a list of 15 destinations that consistently rank high among travel nurses.
San Francisco, California, USA
Of all the cities I’ve lived in as a travel nurse, none offer quite the same mix of opportunity and lifestyle as San Francisco. This coastal city combines world-class hospitals like UCSF Medical Center with the kind of life experiences you just can’t find anywhere else. Between shifts, you can hop on a cable car to explore diverse neighborhoods, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, or join the locals for a picnic in Golden Gate Park. It’s not a budget-friendly choice – the cost of living here is notably high – but the competitive pay rates and endless array of things to do make it worth considering. The mild weather year-round doesn’t hurt either, letting you make the most of the city’s outdoor spaces and nearby wine country whenever you’re off duty.
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Boston holds a special place in American history, and it’s easy to see why nurses are drawn to this New England hub. The city combines world-class medical facilities like Massachusetts General Hospital with the charm of cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture. Walking the Freedom Trail between shifts, you’ll pass through neighborhoods where modern medical innovation meets colonial-era landmarks. It’s a city that works at a manageable pace – not too fast, not too slow – and the four distinct seasons give you a completely different experience as the year rolls on. While the cost of living is higher than many other cities, the compensation typically matches, and the abundance of teaching hospitals means you’re always learning something new.
Seattle, Washington, USA
If you’re a fan of the outdoors mixed with city life, Seattle should be at the top of your list. Nestled between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, this Pacific Northwest hub offers travel nurses the perfect blend of nature and urban amenities. The Space Needle stands as the city’s most recognizable landmark, while Pike Place Market draws locals and visitors alike with its fresh seafood and famous flying fish. Between shifts, you can explore nearby hiking trails, take a ferry to nearby islands, or join the city’s famous coffee culture scene. The mild climate and high concentration of hospitals make it an ideal spot for travel nurses seeking adventure.
Austin, Texas, USA
Ever heard live music spilling out of every doorway while eating the best tacos of your life? That’s just another Tuesday night in Austin, Texas. This laid-back capital city blends small-town charm with big-city amenities, making it an ideal spot for travel nurses looking for their next adventure. Home to the famous South by Southwest festival and the world’s largest urban bat colony, Austin keeps things wonderfully weird while offering excellent healthcare facilities like Dell Children’s Medical Center and St. David’s Medical Center. When you’re off shift, you can cool off at Barton Springs Pool, paddle board on Lady Bird Lake, or join the locals at food truck parks and live music venues that have earned the city its nickname as the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
Denver, Colorado, USA
Denver stands out as one of the most appealing destinations for travel nurses seeking both adventure and career growth. This mile-high city combines the perks of urban living with easy access to the Rocky Mountains, making it perfect for those who want to split their time between city exploration and outdoor activities. The medical scene here is thriving, with several major hospitals offering competitive contracts, while the city’s laid-back culture and 300 days of sunshine per year make settling in feel natural. It’s not just about the work though – on your days off, you can hit the slopes in winter, hike mountain trails in summer, or explore the countless breweries and food halls that dot the neighborhoods. Just be prepared for the altitude adjustment – even seasoned healthcare workers need a few days to get used to the thinner air at 5,280 feet.
Did You Know This Fact?
If you’re a fan of beer, Denver will be your happy place with over 150 breweries in the metro area making it one of America’s top craft beer cities. The city also sits exactly 5,280 feet (or one mile) above sea level, which is why it’s nicknamed the “Mile High City” – just don’t be surprised if you feel a bit lightheaded from the altitude when you first arrive!
Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Live out your country music dreams in Nashville, the heart of Tennessee’s music scene. The city offers travel nurses plenty of opportunities at top hospitals like Vanderbilt University Medical Center and TriStar Centennial Medical Center. After your shift, head to Lower Broadway where live music spills out of every honky-tonk, or grab some authentic hot chicken at Hattie B’s. The cost of living is reasonable compared to other major cities, and there’s no state income tax – meaning more money in your pocket for exploring the Grand Ole Opry or taking in a show at the Ryman Auditorium. Whether you’re into music, food, or southern hospitality, Nashville hits all the right notes for travel nurses.
Bet You Didn’t Know:
Nashville isn’t called “Music City” for nothing – it’s home to over 180 live music venues, from the famous Grand Ole Opry to tiny hole-in-the-wall bars where future stars get their start every night of the week. Beyond the twangy tunes, this Tennessee hub cranks out more than 10 million Jack Daniel’s whiskey bottles yearly at the nearby Lynchburg distillery, making it a perfect spot for both music and spirit lovers.
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Experience island life at its best in Honolulu, where palm trees sway and the Pacific Ocean meets world-class healthcare facilities. As a travel nurse, you’ll find opportunities at major medical centers like The Queen’s Medical Center and Straub Medical Center, all while having access to famous Waikiki Beach just minutes away. After your shift, take a quick drive to Diamond Head for a sunset hike, or join the locals for some fresh poke at one of the many food trucks. The city offers competitive pay rates for travel nurses, and many hospitals provide housing allowances that let you live near the beach. It’s an ideal spot to combine your nursing career with a laid-back tropical lifestyle.
San Diego, California, USA
Perched along Southern California’s sun-drenched coast, San Diego offers travel nurses the perfect blend of work and play. Like many coastal cities, you’ll find beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and a thriving food scene. But unlike its California cousins, San Diego maintains a laid-back, small-town feel despite its big-city amenities. Just stroll through the historic Gaslamp Quarter or watch the surfers at Pacific Beach, and you’ll see what makes this city special. Thanks to San Diego’s proximity to Mexico, the city has developed a unique cultural identity, and you’ll discover authentic taquerias and colorful markets tucked between modern hospitals and research centers. The year-round perfect weather doesn’t hurt either, making outdoor activities possible any time you’re off shift.
Portland, Oregon, USA
Escape to Portland, where the coffee flows as freely as the Willamette River. This Pacific Northwest gem offers travel nurses plenty of top-rated hospitals like OHSU and Providence Portland Medical Center, plus endless ways to unwind after your shift. Head to Forest Park for a peaceful hike through 5,200 acres of urban woodland, or explore the famous food cart pods scattered throughout the city. On weekends, browse the eclectic stalls at Saturday Market, sample local brews at one of 70+ craft breweries, or take a quick drive to marvel at Multnomah Falls. The city’s laid-back vibe and focus on work-life balance make it an ideal spot for nurses looking to combine career growth with outdoor adventure.
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
With its desert landscapes and year-round sunshine, Phoenix stands as one of America’s fastest-growing cities. Unlike other major metros, this Arizona hub offers travel nurses a perfect mix of urban living and outdoor adventure right at their doorstep. Just step outside to find hiking trails winding through Camelback Mountain or drive a few minutes to explore the Sonoran Desert’s famous saguaro cacti. Because of Phoenix’s booming healthcare sector, nurses find plenty of opportunities at major facilities like Mayo Clinic and Banner Health, while enjoying a cost of living that’s easier on the wallet than coastal cities. And when the workday ends, you can cool off at one of the city’s many resort pools or join locals for tacos and margaritas at open-air restaurants in historic districts like Roosevelt Row.
Miami, Florida, USA
Ever wondered what it’s like to work where others vacation? Miami brings together sandy beaches, Latin culture, and big-city energy in one sun-soaked package. This coastal hotspot draws travel nurses with its year-round warmth and diverse medical facilities, from Jackson Memorial Hospital to Mount Sinai Medical Center. Beyond your shifts, you can explore Little Havana’s authentic Cuban restaurants, unwind on South Beach’s famous shoreline, or take weekend trips to the Florida Keys. The city’s mix of urban amenities and laid-back beach life makes it especially appealing for healthcare professionals who want their off-hours filled with art shows, water sports, and multicultural festivals.
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Minneapolis has become one of my favorite spots for travel nurses looking to experience all four seasons in full force. This midwestern hub combines big-city healthcare opportunities with the laid-back vibe of Minnesota nice, making it perfect for those who want both career growth and quality of life. The city’s extensive network of lakes and parks offers endless outdoor activities – from summer kayaking to winter cross-country skiing – while its renowned hospitals like Mayo Clinic and Abbott Northwestern provide excellent professional experiences. The cost of living remains reasonable compared to coastal cities, and the food scene (yes, including those famous cheese curds) gives you plenty to explore on your days off. It’s not the warmest destination in winter, but the skyway system connecting downtown buildings means you’ll barely notice the cold while going about your daily routine.
Charleston, South Carolina, USA
I first visited Charleston on a short travel nursing assignment in spring, back when the jasmine was blooming all over the city. This graceful South Carolina port city sits where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet the Atlantic, creating a peninsula rich with history and Southern charm. The cobblestone streets of the French Quarter and Rainbow Row’s pastel townhouses tell stories of the city’s colonial past, while local seafood shacks and craft breweries keep things current. Medical facilities like MUSC Health and Roper Hospital offer travel nurses plenty of opportunities, and the mild weather means you can explore places like Folly Beach or the Charleston City Market year-round. The city’s easy pace and friendly locals make it feel more like a big town than a metropolitan area, perfect for those seeking a slower-paced Southern lifestyle between shifts.
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Las Vegas isn’t just about bright lights and casino floors – it’s become a top spot for travel nurses looking to mix work and play. Beyond the famous Strip, you’ll find world-class hospitals like Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, University Medical Center, and Valley Hospital Medical Center. The city’s 24/7 energy means there’s always something to do after your shift, from catching Cirque du Soleil shows to exploring the nearby Red Rock Canyon. Plus, with no state income tax and competitive pay rates, your nursing salary can stretch further here.
Richmond, Virginia, USA
Many travel nurses are drawn to Richmond for its robust medical scene, anchored by VCU Medical Center and several other major healthcare facilities, but the city offers much more than just work opportunities. Virginia’s capital sits along the James River, where locals spend weekends kayaking, swimming, and lounging on the rocky beaches. The city’s historic Church Hill and Carytown neighborhoods feature red-brick buildings, local shops, and restaurants that showcase the evolving food culture. While summer brings outdoor concerts and festivals to Brown’s Island, Richmond maintains its appeal year-round with its mix of Civil War history, growing arts districts, and numerous craft breweries.
