Hidden Gems and Breathtaking Views Across the Country
One of the best parts of being a traveling SLP? Getting to explore the country—one assignment, one city, and one cute little coffee shop at a time. We asked our community of travel therapists to share the places that have stayed with them—the scenic drives they loved, the parks they visited, and the little roadside spots they stumbled upon. The result? A living, traveler-made Google Map full of can’t-miss road trips, peaceful detours, and off-the-beaten-path finds across the country. Whether you’re getting ready for your next contract, taking the long route between assignments, or simply looking for something new to discover on your days off, this map is your invitation to explore like a local—guided by travelers who’ve been there before.
Road Trips Worth the Drive
For travel SLPs, getting from one assignment to the next is rarely just about reaching your destination—it’s a chance to slow down, take the scenic route, and enjoy the view. Between contracts, many travelers trade quick flights for memorable drives filled with music, fresh air, and a sense of freedom that only comes with the open road. Here are just a few of the traveler-favorite routes you’ll find on our map:
- Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
- Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
- Southwest National Parks Loop Road Trip
- Olympic Peninsula Loop Road Trip
- Wild West Road Trip
Whether you’ve got a long weekend or a few weeks off between assignments, these routes are tailor-made for open windows, playlists that make you sing along, and those unplanned stops that make the best stories later.
Local Treasures You'll Want to Bookmark
Some of the best parts of travel SLP life aren’t on any itinerary. They’re the little moments and local finds that make an assignment feel personal—like discovering a hiking trail that becomes your post-shift escape or a coffee shop where the barista remembers your name after your second visit.
Here’s a glimpse of the hidden gems shared by fellow travelers:
- Burney Falls, Shasta County, CA: “I took 3 weeks off and did a 2000-mile road trip from Montana to California! Burney Falls was by far the most beautiful place I saw! I sat at this spot for 2 days straight admiring the beauty—and the campground was one of the cleanest!” — Rebekah
- The Denver Central Market, Denver, CO: “Cute market with lots of food choices and the best bakery!” — Noreen
- Camp Coffee Roasters, Blowing Rock, NC: “Adorable and outdoorsy coffee shop in downtown Blowing Rock with the best lattes, coffee, and baked goods.” — Adrianna
- The Sands Beach, Port Royal, SC: “A great spot for a short beach walk with tons of shells—and you can even find shark teeth!” — Kristen
Each one is more than just a recommendation—it’s an invitation to stay curious, to wander, and to find joy in the small, unplanned detours that make travel life so special.
Being a travel Speech-Language Pathologist isn’t just about the next contract—it’s about the experiences that fill the space between them. It’s about discovering beauty in the unexpected, connecting with new communities, and building a life that feels both adventurous and grounded. Wherever your next assignment takes you, may this map inspire you to see a little more, explore a little deeper, and find pieces of home in every corner of the country. Because the best part of being a travel SLP isn’t just where you go—it’s everything you discover along the way.
