11 Southern Beaches You Need To Visit

Whether you're looking for a party scene or a chill escape, these awesome Southern beaches are where it's at, y'all. Get pumped for your trip by catching Party Down South 2, all new on Thursdays at 9/8c!

1. South Padre Island, Texas

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If you're a Spring Breaker on a bit of a budget but looking to party hard, get your ass to one of the many beautiful beaches of South Padre! On off-seasons when those rowdy kids are at school, South Padre becomes a beautifully low-key destination for families and honeymooners, with great amenities for deep sea fishing, diving, and dolphin watching.

2. Gulf Shores Beach, Alabama

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One of Alabama's best kept secrets are its stunningly serene beaches, one of which is Gulf Shores. Turquoise waters, sugary white sand, and no shortage of dolphin sightings make this a Southern mermaid's dream.

3. Folly Beach, South Carolina

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If you're into water sports (surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing...) then Folly Beach just might be the destination for you! Spacious enough to avoid overcrowding even in the on-season and close enough to the historic city of Charleston, this beach is the ideal Southern beach for low-key, sporty fun.

4. Sanibel Island, Florida

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Sanibel Island is a nature lover's paradise and a must-visit for mermaid enthusiasts. Located on the southwest Gulf Coast of Florida, this quiet little beach destination is world famous for the abundance of gorgeous seashells on the spotless beaches. Wildlife reserves comprise half of the island, making the experience here even more of a refreshing escape from urban living.

5. Galveston Island, Texas

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Located just outside of Houston, Galveston has become a hot spot for hip, young Houstonites seeking a fun, laid-back day at the beach. Enjoy that sweet Gulf breeze while you lie out in the sun, or head over to Galveston's East Beach for a live concert and a cocktail.

6. Jekyll Island, Georgia

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A photographer's dream destination, this serene beach boasts unique natural beauty and a laid-back, natural vibe. Famous for its sea turtles and super-artsy Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island is the place to truly appreciate the natural beauty of the shore.

7. Miami Beach, Florida

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I mean, it's Miami. This place certainly doesn't get its reputation for being one of the greatest places to party out of nowhere. Step on any of the beaches here, and you'll understand what puts people in such an upbeat mood. Models and celebrities bounce around in their natural habitat, while gentle waves crash on clean beaches. Purveyors of beauty, this is your beach.

8. Ship Island, Mississippi

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The only way to access the beaches of Ship Island is to travel by boat or seaplane, but getting there is truly half the fun! Once you arrive at the beach, you'll find it to be refreshingly low-key, yet offering rich history with a Civil War fort located right on West Ship Island.

9. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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Sure, it's the largest resort along South Carolina's 60-mile Grand Strand, but a little unpretentious touristy fun never hurt nobody! Myrtle Beach is a nonstop party with white sandy beaches full of sunbathers, amusement parks, fabulous boardwalks, and no shortage of live entertainment. Get an exquisite custom airbrushed tank top to complete your experience.

10. Hatteras Island, North Carolina

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If fishing is your jam, the beaches of Hatteras are a must-visit. Known as the "blue marlin capital of the world," Hatteras is also renowned for being a hot spot for surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding.

11. West Palm Beach, Florida

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If your tastes in beach destinations soar high above your standard tacky tourist trap, West Palm Beach is sure to provide the upscale atmosphere you seek. Home to spotless beaches, art galleries, luxury shopping, and a world-class dog beach, this is the spot for anyone who is so fancy, you already know.