Travel Nursing Jobs in California
With great weather year-round and spectacular scenery, it’s not hard to see why California is a favorite destination among our travel nurses. We have California travel nursing jobs available near the sandy beaches of San Diego and Southern California, the famous sights of Los Angeles and Orange County, foggy San Francisco and the Bay Area, and the lush California Wine Country. Whether you’re looking for sand, sun, mountains, or cityscapes, our California travel nursing jobs offer something for everyone. Check out our available travel nursing jobs in CA below.
TNAA | TotalMed is the travel nursing agency for you – in California and across the country! We offer competitive travel nursing pay, excellent benefits, and personal service to each of our nurses.
California is the land of sunshine, movie stars, and life in the fast lane! Explore Hollywood to see the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Universal Studios, or nearby Beverly Hills, where the rich and famous come out to play. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, one of the most photographed structures in the world. Sitting on the border of Mexico, across from Tijuana, San Diego has a unique Southwest flavor and is home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park.
Here are some top places and activities to explore across California—ideal for travel nurses during your downtime.
Yosemite National Park is famous for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoias, and meadows.
Anza‑Borrego Desert State Park — Great for hiking, stargazing, and exploring desert wilderness.
Santa Cruz & Big Sur — Hike among ancient redwoods, catch waves, or unwind along the rugged coastline.
San Francisco Bay Area
Presidio & Historic Trails — Trails, viewpoints, and a national cemetery.
Mission Dolores Park — A favorite green space with city views and nearby dining.
Chinatown & North Beach — Explore colorful architecture, shops, and history.
Los Angeles
Griffith Park & Observatory — City views, hiking, and the iconic observatory.
Watts Towers Arts Center — Unique sculptural towers made from mosaic, steel, and tile.
Olvera Street — Historic street with markets and old buildings.
Santa Catalina Island — Snorkeling, glass‑bottom boat tours, Jeep tours, and a peaceful retreat.
Southern California Beaches — Venice Beach offers street performers, murals, and the famous Muscle Beach.
Pismo Beach (Central Coast) — Boardwalks, nearby wineries, and a relaxing beach town vibe.
Santa Ynez Wine Country — Rolling vineyards, small-town charm, and wine tasting.
Napa & Sonoma Regions — Classic California wine-country experiences with scenic views and tasting rooms.
Balboa Park (San Diego) — Museums, gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Historic Redding & Sundial Bridge — Scenic parks, river walks, and the iconic Sundial Bridge.
Use your days off wisely — Weekends are perfect for national park trips, beach getaways, or wine-country exploring.
Rent a car — Many of California’s top natural or coastal spots are more accessible by car If you don’t have a personal car while on assignment, we recommend renting one for your adventures.
Plan for traffic — In cities like LA and SF, traffic can be heavy. Travel during off-peak times.
Check the weather regionally — Northern California and Southern California vary greatly, so plan accordingly.
Book in advance — For popular spots like Catalina ferries or park lodging, planning ahead helps.
From the towering, ancient forests and mountains in the north to the lovely Sonoran Desert and sparkling beaches in the south, California is full of natural beauty and great places to visit.
Popular activities include camping and hiking in the stunning mountain ranges, riding the dunes of the Pacific beaches, and enjoying a wine tasting at one of its many world-class vineyards.
Temporary License Timeframe: 4 weeks but fingerprints need to be completed first
Permanent License Timeframe: 10-12 weeks
Compact (eNLC): No
Does this state offer a temporary license? Yes
