California Travel Nursing

I've never been to California but am looking to take an assignment there. I was recommended San Diego as this is the closest vibe to Hawaii (my last contract).

-UC San Diego ICU float pool: (can float to multiple facilities. No RTO, blocked scheduling, or self scheduling--this makes me feel like I will have a shitty schedule and will be working scattered nights or every single weekend??) Curious on others experiences!! Does schedule not matter because San Diego is just that great??

Also looking at Palo Alto -Stanford CVICU. Pay is higher, unsure of the scheduling requirements. Theres openings for 3x12s or 5x8s (which is weird but its for 800 more a week). Looking up housing in Palo Alto the prices are insane (cheapest I'm finding is 3300/month for a small studio in someones house). It seems to be close to San Fran which would be cool. No idea of how the area is or if it would be enjoyable, I love beaches so not sure how far it is to beaches (but it's not a deal breaker).

I'm 27 and I solo travel so important to me that theres things to do and adventure and opportunity to meet other people my age! Appreciate any insight on Cali nursing or advice on areas as I've never been to Cali! thanks!!