Spotlight Series: Travel Nursing in South Florida
Pack a bathing suit or three, some flip-flops, a sun hat, and a sense of adventure. When you’re not on duty for your travel nurse assignment in South Florida, you’re going to be experiencing a little bit of paradise, Florida-style. Consider our list of ‘must do’s in South Florida’ a starting point.
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Travel Musts in South Florida
Places to Visit
Depending on where you’re working, you may be able to hit some of these spots after work. For others, you may have to plan a day trip or weekend excursion. The Florida Keys were hit hard by Hurricane Irma, but the people there have been hard at work, rebuilding to make the Keys a lovely vacation spot once again.
Vero Beach. If you love quiet beaches and the wild waves of the Atlantic Ocean, take a trip to Vero Beach. Unlike many coastal cities, this city has remained quiet, lovely, and free of tall looming buildings. Commune with the sandpipers and catch a glimpse of the sea turtles that make their nests on the beaches. Enjoy the view when dining at The Citrus or the Cobalt Restaurant. Or visit the McKee Botanical Garden and marvel over the lush Florida vegetation.
South Beach. Maybe you’re not the quiet type. Head for South Beach in Miami. Eat, drink, shop, party. Repeat as needed. (And you can also view tons of gorgeous historic Art Deco buildings, if that’s your thing.)
Grapefruit League spring training sites. Scattered across South Florida (and a few to the north in Central Florida) are the spring training sites for the Grapefruit League, which represents about half of the Major League Baseball teams. Visit the Red Sox’ spring training home, JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, or drive across the state to Jupiter and visit Roger Dean Stadium, the spring home to the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Plan a trip to see the famous author’s home in Key West, just off the southern coast of Florida. “Papa” wrote many of his most famous short stories and novels in the Spanish Colonial style house that’s now a National Historical Landmark.
Little Havana. You can’t go to Miami and not visit the city’s famous Cuban district. Little Havana is home to numerous countless restaurants and bars. Take a stroll along the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame, which is the Cuban version of the Hollywood attraction.
Must Try Food and Drink
When in South Florida on a travel nursing assignment, eat like the natives do. Or eat like the tourists do. Either way, you’ll be happy.
Key lime pie. Tart and creamy, the best key lime pie is made with the juice from real key limes (and whipped cream, mmmmm). It’s everywhere in the Florida Keys, as you might expect from the name.
Cuban cuisine. Put Cuban food at the top of your “must try” list. Savor a traditional Cuban specialty like an authentic Cubano sandwich, vaca frita (shredded fried beef with onions) along with some rice and beans, or chicharrones. Or go for something with a twist. You can even take a culinary tour of Miami to learn more about the culture and the food at the same time.
Where and How to Exercise
If you’re a CrossFit fan or a barre aficionado, you’ll have your pick of boxes and studios in South Florida during your travel nursing assignment. But if you can, try getting outside. (Don’t forget the SPF.)
Yoga. It doesn’t get much better than doing sun salutations to the actual sun on the beach. You can always seek out a yoga studio, but don’t miss out on a chance to do yoga on the beach or park.
Running. If you love nothing more than a good solitary run in a beautiful locale, you have come to the right place. Lace up those running shoes and head for one of the beaches. Depending on the length of your travel nursing job in South Florida, you might even be able to participate in a race or running event.
Tennis. Golf and tennis are huge in South Florida, so you won’t have to look hard to find opportunities to get out and play.