Explore Assignments that offer career growth, adventure, and sunshine-filled days off
If you’re a traveling COTA looking for your next job, spring and summer are some of the best seasons to take your career on the road. Longer days, better weather, local festivals, and endless opportunities to explore make these months ideal for turning a work contract into an unforgettable experience. From oceanside sunsets to lakeside adventures and city escapes full of culture, these states continue to be some of the most popular destinations for traveling COTAs, and it’s easy to see why.
California: Sunshine, coastlines, and endless adventure
California has long been a favorite for traveling therapists, and for good reasons. Between its diverse patient settings, vibrant cities, and iconic scenery, every assignment can feel like an entirely new chapter. Spring and summer are especially magical here. Wildflowers bloom across the state in spring, while summer brings beach days, outdoor concerts, and weekend road trips along the Pacific Coast Highway. On your days off, you could:
- Watch the sunset in California at places like Santa Monica Pier
- Hike through Yosemite National Park and see waterfalls at their peak flow in spring
- Explore coastal towns like San Diego or Monterey
- Spend weekends visiting farmers markets, beach festivals, and outdoor food events
California is ideal for the COTA who wants every assignment to feel inspiring, energizing, and full of possibility. Explore open Travel COTA jobs in CA here.
Illinois: big-City Energy Meets Summer Festivals
For traveling COTAs who love a mix of urban excitement and Midwestern charm, Illinois offers the best of both worlds. Summer in Chicago feels electric. The city comes alive with music festivals, rooftop dining, lakefront activities, and neighborhood street fairs nearly every weekend. During your time off, you can:
- Walk or bike along the scenic Lakefront Trail
- Catch fireworks at Navy Pier
- Explore iconic museums and art galleries on rainy spring afternoons
- Enjoy outdoor concerts and food festivals throughout the city all summer long
Illinois assignments are perfect for travel COTAs who want access to exciting job opportunities while still having plenty of adventure waiting outside of work. Find open COTA jobs in IL here.
michigan: Lakeside Escapes and Small-Town Charm
If your ideal spring or summer assignment includes nature, slower mornings, and beautiful waterfront views, Michigan deserves a spot on your list. Michigan transforms during the warmer months. Locals head north for weekends at the lake, charming beach towns fill with life, and outdoor recreation becomes part of everyday living. For travel COTAs, it’s a refreshing place to recharge between shifts.
Some favorite ways to spend your free time include:
- Visiting the shores of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- Exploring waterfront towns like Traverse City
- Kayaking, paddleboarding, or boating on the Great Lakes
- Enjoying cherry festivals, local wineries, and scenic drives throughout northern Michigan
Michigan is a reminder that travel therapy isn’t just about seeing new places, it’s about experiencing a different pace of life and creating space to enjoy it. Check out COTA jobs available in MI here.
New Jersey: Beach Towns and Easy Weekend Getaways
New Jersey often surprises traveling therapists with how much there is to do packed into one state. During spring and summer, the Jersey Shore becomes a major draw. After work, you can unwind by the ocean, stroll boardwalks, or take quick trips into nearby cities like New York City or Philadelphia.
Some standout experiences include:
- Spending weekends in shore towns like Cape May
- Walking the boardwalk in Asbury Park
- Visiting lighthouses, local seafood spots, and beachside cafes
- Taking day trips to nearby major cities without giving up coastal living
For travel COTAs who want flexibility, convenience, and plenty of summer memories, New Jersey offers a little bit of everything. Explore open COTA jobs in NJ here.
Maryland: Waterfront Views and Historic Charm
Maryland combines coastal beauty, historic cities, and easy access to outdoor adventures, making it a great destination for spring and summer assignments. In warmer months, the Chesapeake Bay area becomes the heart of activity. You’ll find waterfront dining, sailing, outdoor markets, and scenic parks perfect for decompressing after a busy week.
Outside of work, travel COTAs can enjoy:
- Exploring the harbor in Baltimore
- Visiting charming waterfront towns along the Chesapeake Bay
- Trying famous Maryland crab dishes at local seafood restaurants
- Hiking or biking through parks and trails throughout the state
Maryland is especially appealing for travelers who want a balance between city access, nature, and meaningful downtime. Find your next COTA job in MD here.
One of the best parts of travel therapy is realizing your career can take you somewhere you’ve always wanted to experience. Whether you’re spending weekends on the California coast, exploring Chicago in the summertime, or finding peace near the Great Lakes, every assignment gives you the opportunity to build a life that feels bigger than your routine.
For travel COTAs, spring and summer are more than just busy seasons for contracts, they’re invitations to explore new communities, make unforgettable memories, and rediscover why you chose this path in the first place.