Known for its sunny weather, space centers and spectacular theme parks, central Florida has plenty to offer — and plenty of other attractions you may not know about. Below are a few reasons to make this region your next travel nursing destination:
Life’s better at the beach. Though this area isn’t as glamorous as Palm Beach or Key West, there are plenty of beaches where you can relax or swim in the Atlantic after a long day of work. Cocoa Beach, just over an hour away from Orlando, has an 800-foot pier and activities like parasailing, kayaking and surfing, while the famous Daytona Beach boasts 23 miles of white sand (with parts you can still drive on) and plenty of sea turtles. Visit Ponce Inlet to see Florida’s tallest lighthouse and drive to the Canaveral National Seashore for a quiet retreat. Clearwater Beach, just west of Tampa, even offers a dolphin-watching cruise.
Family fun. Whether you’re looking for something your spouse will enjoy or trying to entertain the whole family, you’ll find the perfect place to spend the weekend in central Florida. The Orlando area alone has 16 theme parks, including Sea World, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. If a day at Epcot isn’t your style, head to Busch Gardens or embrace your inner child at Legoland.
A case for space. The area known as the Space Coast, 72 miles along Florida’s east coast between the Canaveral National Seashore and Melbourne, deserves a day or even a weekend trip of its own. Start by touring the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (note: fill out a tour request form 60 days prior to visiting) and the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse. Then visit the Kennedy Space Center to see actual space rockets, experience a shuttle launch and even touch a moon rock.
Into the woods. You might only think of Florida having sunny beaches and palm trees, but the Ocala National Forest, located north of Orlando, will prove you wrong. This forest has more than 600 lakes, springs and rivers and is also home to many black bears. Check out this recreational area when you want to beat the heat.
Convinced that you need to make this region home for the next few months? Check out our open travel nursing jobs in Florida.