The FlexCare Location Guide
Our Most Popular Destinations for Travel Clinicians
Browse OpportunitiesOne of the best parts about being a travel nurse, allied health pro, or therapist? Getting to explore cool spots all across the U.S.
We’ve rounded up a few of our most popular assignment cities to help you choose your next destination (and we've got opportunities ready for you in every one!). Get a taste of what it’s like to live, work, and explore in each city—plus a few local favorites to kickstart your off-the-clock plans.
Tacoma, WA
Travel nursing in Tacoma, WA delivers a balanced blend of salty sea breeze and mountain thrill. Start pre-shift jogs along the Foss Waterway Esplanade, grab single-origin espresso on hip Sixth Avenue, and stock up on fresh produce at Tacoma Farmers Market. Off days beg for hot-glass demos at the Museum of Glass, vintage treasure hunts on Antique Row, and golden sunsets through Point Defiance rose gardens. Road trip ninety minutes to hike among alpine wildflowers on Mount Rainier and reset your soul. Check ferry schedules, seafood spots, festival calendars, and waterfront yoga classes at https://www.visitpiercecounty.com/ before bedtime every single day.
Tacoma Assignments
Wausau, WI
Wausau, WI surprises travel nurses with an irresistible north-woods vibe paired with urban convenience, truly. Wake up to panoramic Wisconsin River views, then carb-load with cranberry scones at Red Eye Bakery before a shift. On snow days, carve Granite Peak’s legendary runs; in summer, paddle the calm backwaters or attend Concerts on the Square. Art-y souls adore the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, while wellness seekers jog the River Edge Trail at golden hour. Weekend wanderers can sip craft beer flights at Bull Falls or chase waterfalls in nearby Rib Mountain State Park. Plan adventures at https://www.visitwausau.com/ all year round.
Wausau Assignments
Boston, MA
Boston, MA serves timeless history with a side of innovation, perfect for adventurous travel nurses. Commute by ferry across glittering Boston Harbor, grab oat-milk lattes in the Seaport, then walk to shifts through cobblestoned alleys. Off the clock, follow the brick Freedom Trail, picnic in blooming Public Garden, or browse indie boutiques on Newbury Street. Foodies feast on lobster rolls at Quincy Market and late-night ramen in Allston. Outdoor lovers kayak the Charles River or cycle the Emerald Necklace. For day trips, Salem’s witchy charm and Cape Cod beaches sit within easy reach. Build smart itineraries at https://www.boston.gov/visiting-boston year-round.
Boston Assignments
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines, IA brims with Midwest charm and buzzing creative energy. Beat sunrise for craft cold-brew at Horizon Line Coffee, bike the scenic Principal Riverwalk to shifts, and feel the skyline glow. Post-shift, snap selfies with the whimsical Pappajohn Sculpture Park, taste signature Steak de Burgo downtown, or catch a roar at Wells Fargo Arena. Saturday mornings swirl with aromas at the legendary Downtown Farmers’ Market, while nearby Gray’s Lake offers stand-up paddleboarding therapy. State Fair butter cows, lively craft breweries, and small-town friendliness keep every rotation fresh. Map can’t-miss eats, events, and hidden gems at https://www.catchdesmoines.com/ all year long.
Des Moines Assignments
Glendale, CA
Glendale, CA lets travel nurses soak up Southern California sunshine without Hollywood crowds. Start mornings with Armenian bakery pastries on Brand Boulevard, scoot to shifts under towering palms, then unwind with retail therapy at The Americana at Brand. Explore neon on Route 66, art-deco gems downtown, and trails in Deukmejian Wilderness Park overlooking the city lights. Film buffs can tour iconic studios minutes away, while foodies savor flavors from kebabs to Korean barbecue. Weekends invite beach runs in Santa Monica or thrill rides at Universal Studios, both a quick rideshare away. Plan culture, shopping, and outdoor escapes at https://www.chooseglendaleca.com/visit-glendale.
Glendale Assignments
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA blends Silicon Valley sparkle with chill California nature, ideal for self-care between shifts. Cycle tree-lined University Avenue for matcha lattes, admire Stanford’s sandstone arches, then scrub into the nation’s top research hospitals. After work, recharge under redwoods at the Dish hiking loop, or browse indie books and zero-waste boutiques downtown. Dusk brings food-truck tacos, rooftop wine bars, and casual jazz nights that feed the soul. Weekend warriors can surf Half Moon Bay, hunt vintage in San Jose’s flea market, or road-trip to wine country. Grab visitor maps, transit tips, and discount passes at https://www.paloaltochamber.com/visitors-center/ whenever you visit.
Palo Alto Assignments
Rapid City, SD
Rapid City, SD sits at the gateway to majestic Badlands and Black Hills adventures, making every travel nursing contract feel like an epic road movie. Start with sunrise yoga at Main Street Square, fuel up on bison breakfast tacos, then head to shifts just minutes away. Off hours call for selfies with the City of Presidents bronze statues, trail runs through Skyline Wilderness, and ice-cream flights at downtown creameries. Day trips bring stargazing in Badlands National Park, buffalo herds at Custer State Park, and bucket-list moments beneath Mount Rushmore. Find seasonal events, Native culture experiences, and pet-friendly lodging at https://www.visitrapidcity.com/.
Rapid City Assignments
Rochester, MN
Rochester, MN balances world-class healthcare with Midwestern warmth, keeping travel nurses energized and supported. Commute through blooming Peace Plaza to Mayo Clinic shifts, then refuel on cold-pressed juice at Café Steam. Rest days invite strolls along the Zumbro River Trail, bike spins through Quarry Hill Nature Center, and patio brunch under murals in Uptown. Art nights bloom with Thursdays on First markets and indie concerts at historic Chateau Theatre. Winter rotations shine too, boasting cozy skyway shopping and luminous SocialICE festival. Plan hotels, transportation, restaurant reservations, and dog-friendly patios at https://www.experiencerochestermn.com/ to make every assignment feel like home.
Rochester Assignments
Asheville, NC
Asheville, NC wraps Blue Ridge Mountain magic around a vibrant foodie, arts, and wellness scene ideal for flexible clinicians. Start dawn with rooftop sunrise yoga overlooking Art Deco skyscrapers, then sip lavender lattes before shifts at Mission Hospital. Off duty, wander the River Arts District’s graffiti-splashed studios, hunt vintage on Lexington Avenue, and sample farm-fresh fare at chic tapas bars. Weekend escapes include waterfall hikes along the Parkway, wildflower picnics at Biltmore Estate, and steamy mineral soaks in Hot Springs. Live buskers, craft cider, and boho boutiques keep inspiration high. Download seasonal guides and event calendars at https://www.exploreasheville.com/ all year.
Asheville Assignments
Nashville, TN
Nashville, TN turns every travel nurse shift change into a potential encore. Grab cold brew and biscuit sandwiches in hip East Nashville, stroll across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge to your downtown hospital, and let the skyline set the stage. After work, two-step through legendary honky-tonks, hunt vintage finds in 12South, or tour the Country Music Hall of Fame. Wellness vibes thrive too—think Centennial Park yoga, Shelby Bottoms greenway runs, and plant-based bowls in Germantown. Day-off road trips whisk you to whiskey distilleries, waterfalls, and rolling horse country. Get free updated music listings, foodie guides, and insider itineraries at https://www.visitmusiccity.com/.
Nashville Assignments
Austin, TX
Austin, TX keeps hearts thumping with live music, lake swims, and taco trucks on every corner, perfect for energetic travel nurses. Commute on electric scooters beneath mural-splashed streets, grab breakfast tacos from Veracruz All Natural, then crush your shift at a world-class teaching hospital. Clock out for sunset SUP on Lady Bird Lake, vintage thrifting on South Congress, or blues shows on Sixth Street. Fuel recovery with brisket at a smokehouse and cold plunge at Barton Springs Pool. Weekend campers can chase hill country wineries, wildflower fields, and cavern tours. Plan venues, street art routes, and foodie festivals at https://www.austintexas.org/.
Austin Assignments
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore, MD blends harbor breezes, gritty art, and soulful seafood into an energizing contract destination. Ride water taxis past glittering Inner Harbor, caffeinate with Zeke’s cold brew in Mount Vernon, then cross historic row-house blocks to major medical centers. After hours, tour the National Aquarium, snap lighthouse selfies at Federal Hill, and taste legendary crab cakes in Fell’s Point taverns. Art enthusiasts adore street murals and avant-garde exhibits at the American Visionary Art Museum. Joggers loop the waterfront promenade while foodies hit Lexington Market for pit beef. Craft your neighborhood itinerary, events list, and transit hacks at https://baltimore.org/ before packing.
Baltimore Assignments
Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City, OK surprises newcomers with cowboy grit, modern art, and endless big-sky sunsets. Start mornings with locally roasted coffee in Automobile Alley, bike the 9-mile Oklahoma River Trail to shifts, and feel the prairie breeze. Clock out for urban whitewater rafting at Riversport OKC, Native art at First Americans Museum, and sunset rooftop yoga in Bricktown. Sunday brunch brings chicken-fried steak and live gospel tunes. Fresh-air lovers roam Scissortail Park or chase neon along Route 66. Find food truck schedules, stockyard rodeos, and street festival dates at https://www.visitokc.com/ for you and your crew to keep every assignment always epic.
Oklahoma City Assignments
Portland, ME
Portland, ME charms travel nurses with rugged Atlantic coastline, indie spirit, and the nation’s tastiest lobster rolls. Start your day smelling sea salt on the Eastern Promenade Trail before heading to shifts at top teaching hospitals. After work, wander cobblestone streets in the Old Port, sip small-batch craft beer, and browse boutiques filled with nautical chic. Weekend ferries hop to Casco Bay islands for bike picnics and lighthouse selfies, while foodies chase James Beard-worthy dining and iconic Holy Donuts. Winter rotations sparkle with snowshoe treks and cozy oyster bars. Plot yearly lodging deals, whale tours, and art walks at https://www.visitportland.com/.
Portland Assignments