If you’re planning to take a travel nursing assignment this summer, why not choose a destination where your days off feel like a vacation?
One of the biggest perks of travel nursing is getting the chance to explore incredible places while still earning great pay. And if you pick a beach destination with a typical 3 x 12 schedule, you could end up with four full days every week to relax, recharge, and enjoy the coast.
That means your week could look something like this:
For many travel nurses, beach assignments are the perfect combination of lifestyle, adventure, flexibility, and strong earning potential.
Travel nursing can be demanding. Long shifts, adapting to new hospital systems, and constantly learning new workflows can be exhausting. That’s why many travelers intentionally look for contracts in destinations where they can fully decompress on their days off.
Beach assignments offer:
And with a 3 x 12 schedule, you often get four days every week to actually enjoy the location you chose.
If you want perfect weather almost every day of the year, San Diego is hard to beat.
You can finish a shift and still catch sunset at Pacific Beach or La Jolla. On your days off, there’s surfing, hiking, rooftop restaurants, paddle boarding, and some of the best tacos you’ll ever eat.
Why nurses love it:
Things to know: Housing can be expensive during summer, so many travel nurses split housing with another traveler or stay slightly inland to save money.
If you enjoy nightlife, tropical weather, and nonstop energy, Miami can be an incredible assignment location.
On your days off you can:
Florida also has no state income tax, which can help maximize your take-home pay.
For many travel nurses, Hawaii is the ultimate bucket-list assignment.
Imagine spending your days off:
Yes, Hawaii is more expensive, but many travelers make it work by:
Charleston gives you beach access with a slightly lower cost of living compared to some larger coastal cities.
You’ll find charming neighborhoods, amazing food, and nearby beaches like Folly Beach and Isle of Palms.
This is a great destination if you want beach vibes without the nonstop pace of larger tourist cities.
Virginia Beach is one of the more underrated travel nurse destinations.
You get:
One reason beach assignments are so popular with travel nurses is the schedule flexibility.
Most travel nurse contracts involve:
Many travel nurses purposely work three consecutive shifts so they can enjoy four straight days off every week.
That means your assignment can feel more like a lifestyle upgrade than just another job.
Beach destinations can get expensive, especially during summer. But experienced travel nurses use a few smart strategies to keep costs manageable.
Splitting a two-bedroom apartment with another travel nurse can dramatically reduce housing costs while giving you access to better locations closer to the beach.
Many travel nurses travel with spouses or partners who work remotely. Splitting rent can make expensive destinations like California or Hawaii much more affordable.
Living 15–25 minutes from the beach can save hundreds of dollars every month while still letting you enjoy the coast on your days off.
Short-term furnished rentals help avoid:
It sounds simple, but eating near beach areas every day adds up fast. Cooking a few meals at home every week can save a surprising amount of money over a 13-week assignment.
Travel nursing is rewarding, but it can also be physically and mentally exhausting.
Having access to sunshine, fresh air, outdoor activities, and ocean views can make a huge difference after long shifts.
Many travel nurses say beach contracts feel more sustainable because they actually use their days off to recharge instead of sitting inside recovering from stress.
If you’re ready to spend your summer working near the beach while earning competitive travel nurse pay, Anders Group has opportunities across the country.
Explore available travel nursing jobs here:
Whether you're dreaming of California sunsets, Florida beaches, or Hawaiian adventures, Anders Group can help you find a travel nursing assignment that fits your lifestyle and career goals.