Location
Los Angeles, California
School
Santa Clara University
Expertise
Beaches, Culinary Travel, Hidden gems
- Joe's love for food and drink keeps him searching for new flavors wherever he goes. He is always on the lookout for the best local bites, from hole-in-the-wall taco spots to cocktail bars with a story.
- As a fan of the horror genre, he has accumulated a vast knowledge of urban legends and haunted spots from his travels.
- A lifelong musician, Joe loves checking out the local music scene of every place he visits, from major venues to tiny pubs and everything in between.
Experience
Joe Garza has been writing professionally on and off since 2011. He started his writing career as an intern at Metro Newspapers in San Jose, CA, covering local events and happenings. He then wrote for such tourist guides as Carmel.com and SantaCruz.com. Joe moved to Los Angeles in 2020 and wrote about local trends, hot spots, things to do, and other popular activities in L.A. county for the (now-defunct) website, The LA Trend. He's previously written for other Static Media brands like Looper, Grunge, and SlashFilm.
Education
Joe has a B.A. in music from Santa Clara University, with an emphasis in guitar.
Islands content is created by a team of veteran writers and editors passionate about travel. Outside experts with deep field knowledge sometimes inform our work with additional context and perspectives by way of exclusive commentary. Our goal is to offer readers well-rounded and diverse articles that inform, entertain, and inspire.
Our editors consistently review and update articles to ensure they're providing current, relevant, and useful information. Complete information on our editorial process is available here.
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This coastal city is close to Seattle and is full of attractions for history buffs as well as unique vintage shops and incredible sea food. Find out more.
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This charming but overlooked town also claims to be the "Watermelon Capital of the World" and produces millions of pounds of fruit per year. Find out more.
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Just outside Detroit lies a scenic escape packed with trails, beaches, and a chilling, long-abandoned zoo that feels straight out of a horror film.
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Pennsylvania
By Joe Garza
This artsy, charming town in Pennsylvania is often overlooked but visitors love how walkable it is and how many interesting shops and markets it provides.
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It's a cultural gem for music lovers, but families might think twice. This Tennessee city ranks among the worst places to settle down with kids.
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One of the most historic and chic neighborhoods in Milwaukee is the perfect combination of artsy charm, outdoor fun, and gorgoeous views. Find out more.
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This small but chic town in South Carolina is close to Charlotte and offers visitors plenty of places to shop and enjoy local arts and culture. Find out more.
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Love the ages-old art of magic? Then you'll want to make the trip to Michigan's "Magic Capital of the World," a quirky village surrounded by lakes.
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Do you love exploring picturesque waterfront parks and a good fried chicken meal? This Ohio city has a beautiful lake and some iconic cuisine to check out.
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If you're looking for impressive nature and delectable cuisine, head to South Carolina. This underrated city is full of great food and outdoor activities.
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This North Carolina town is serving up delicious eats and plenty of local and historical art and galleries, with plenty of small-town charm to go around.
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This amazing but wildly underrated neighborhood in San Francisco is a treasure trove of amazing eateries and unique shops. Here's what you'll find there.
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If you're looking for a charming experience bursting with offerings from plants to art to yummy food and drinks, then this California locale is for you!
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The Ocean State is home to a unique, little-visited stretch of beach that offers visitors a chance to observe endangered species and incredible plant life.
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You'll find more than just beautiful nature views when visiting this charming (and free to visit!) park in Arkansas.
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Tennessee may be most well-known to tourists for musical metropolitan hubs like Nashville, but don't miss out on this artsy underrated city full of charm!
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Indianapolis is a bustling, big city, but if you're looking for chill, college town vibes, you should get out this hip neighborhood full of fun coffee shops.
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Milwaukee is one of America's most underrated creative cities, and its most innovative neighborhood is all about embracing the artistic side of life.
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One of the most underrated parts of Tennessee is this amazing region where you can find plenty of outdoor trails and adorable towns to spend time in.
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Charlotte, North Carolina is home to many diverse neighborhoods, but this quaint, artsy town just north of Uptown is an outstanding and diverse space.
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Florida is full of charming spots to explore, and this city is conveniently close to Miami and features great parks and an awesome art scene.
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Venture into charming small-town Vermont to experience an artsy paradise with plenty of outdoor adventures and great restaurants at your fingertips.
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This adorable city is full of excellent opportunities for history buffs and art lovers alike, as well as plenty of eateries serving up classic Southern dishes.
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The Connecticut Art Trail is brimming with treasures, like galleries, museums, exhibits, and other attractions sure to delight art and history buffs.
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A charming lakeside village in Wisconsin offers plenty of excitement for art lovers, whether you want to get your hands dirty or admire artisan work.
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Do you love quirky art and enjoying nature? This unique Minnesota park features an impressive collection of outdoor sculptures to check out.
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Memphis offers plenty of fun for travelers, with diverse neighborhoods worth a visit. With art, great food, and rich culture, Cooper-Young is for everyone.
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