Location
Redondo Beach, CA
School
California State University - Long Beach, El Camino College
Expertise
Dangerous Travel Destinations, Southern California, Underrated Destinations
- Leslie travels multiple times a year, with her favorite destinations being Seattle, Paris, and London.
- She spends her free time exploring Southern California and its many beaches.
- She has documented her travels on her blog, "The Leslie Life," since 2019.
Experience
Before writing for Islands, Leslie wrote about domestic and international travel destinations for Explore. As a history and dark tourism enthusiast, she enjoys incorporating these facets into her articles. When she's not writing, you'll find Leslie at the beach or planning her next big trip. Her hobbies include reading and visiting historical (often creepy) sites.
Education
Leslie has a bachelor's degree in journalism from California State University, Long Beach, and an associate degree in social sciences from El Camino College.
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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California
By Leslie Veliz
Azure waters and excellent fishing conditions await at this gorgeous Sierra Nevada lake just a short drive from the city of Fresno, California.
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Less than 30 minutes from Omaha, this Nebraska destination offers a historic military site, peaceful parks, hometown restaurants, and outdoor escapes.
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The English countryside is littered with adorable towns brimming with history and natural beauty, and one great spot is just outside of London.
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Washington
By Leslie Veliz
Looking for a getaway where you can browse local shops and soak up waterfront views at a beautiful lighthouse? This Seattle-area city is a great choice.
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Family Friendly
By Leslie Veliz
Whether you're visiting Philadelphia or exploring nearby, these family-friendly destinations make it easy to build a fun-filled itinerary with kids.
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This Maryland park features scenic forest trails, an ice skating complex, sports courts, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor recreation for families.
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California
By Leslie Veliz
You don't have to go to the big cities in California for a great getaway. This city features family fun with parks, shopping, and stays that will delight all.
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To take an afternoon stroll in a stunning natural setting, head to a Canadian island close to Vancouver with charming towns, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
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Restaurants
By Leslie Veliz
Planning a Miami food trip? Beyond the city's seafood, one pizzeria earned the highest Florida ranking in 2026 for its standout sourdough pies.
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You'll find plenty of nature and walking trails in this one Ohio park, but it has a couple other surprises on offer for those interested in arts and culture.
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This gorgeous state park features miles of hiking trails and a series of cascading waterfalls, and it was recently named the best state park in the nation.
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This Atlanta suburb is named after a scenic spot in Northern Ireland, and it's also home to a handful of popular restaurants and an affordable golf course.
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Florida is full of charming spots, but close to the beach-filled coast is a friendly community with multiple parks and things to do for the whole family.
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After a tumultuous end, this amusement park in Maryland found new life when it was picked up by the National Park Service, now offering all sorts of amenities.
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Colorado's "Ruby of the Rockies" traded its coal mining boom for something far quieter, leaving behind a mountain village full of unexpected charm.
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Just beyond Savannah, this overlooked destination offers outlet shopping, standout local restaurants, aviation history, and family-friendly attractions.
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Long layovers don't have to be boring thanks to a newly opened airport lounge packed with gaming stations, free food, drinks, and unique amenities.
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This thriving Sacramento suburb is a California nature destination, with beautiful parks, a beloved botanical garden, a growing downtown, and friendly vibes.
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If you're cruising Route 66 and looking for a timeless destination with old-school diners and great eats, this Oklahoma town is definitely worth checking out.
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These six activities and places are great free things to do and visit in San Francisco aside from visiting and walking the Golden Gate Bridge.
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In the Great Lakes State, you don't have to travel far from the city for a peaceful, outdoorsy escape. Check out this one with plenty of waterfront appeal.
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This Southeast gem dripping with Americana vibes, with an enthusiastic staff serving lauded food, was named the most popular diner in the US
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Good eats and a unique museum await you in this village with honest-to-goodness Midwestern charm — and you hardly need to drive out of Cincinnati to get there.
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Many quarries have been used and lost over the years, but this particular ex-quarry has been transformed into a haven of nature nestled in central Virginia.
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Pennsylvania
By Leslie Veliz
This stunning mountain-lodge-style rest stop near the Pennsylvania-New York border offers lake views, informative displays, and clean bathrooms for travelers.
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Minnesota
By Leslie Veliz
A short drive from Minneapolis, this Minnesota getaway offers a major amusement park, a historic downtown, local restaurants, breweries, and more.
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Wisconsin
By Leslie Veliz
While the striking views of Lake Michigan are the main draw, this nature preserve near Milwaukee also has a rocky beach and several hiking trails.
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