As you plan your next vacation, consider some of these hot spots in the southern United States. You’ll find history, incredible music, beautiful beaches, fantastic food and, of course, southern hospitality in these must-see areas.

Swipe through to get ideas on where you should go for your next vacation.

Turquoise beaches, white sand, green palm trees, brilliant orange sunsets, and visitors from around the world contribute to the colorful atmosphere of the Florida Keys. This string of islands is favored by tourists who enjoy fishing, boating, snorkeling and scuba diving, but you’ll find a vibrant art scene, museums and lush gardens to visit as well.

The "Live Music Capital of the World," Austin, Texas, boasts hundreds of venues that showcase an eclectic variety of tunes. There are plenty of outdoor activities too, with miles of hike and bike trails and a lake in the middle of town that’s popular with rowers and stand-up paddlers. There are museums and incredible food too—Tex-Mex, anyone? Definitely don’t miss the flight of the world’s largest colony of Mexican free-tailed bats, which emerge in droves at dusk to hunt for snacks.

Savannah, Georgia, is perhaps the very definition of southern gentility with its manicured parks and antebellum architecture. Visit the famous Bonaventure cemetery, said to be among the world’s most beautiful. Take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, go boutique shopping or engage in some fine dining al fresco. You might want to take a drive over to beautiful Hilton Head, South Carolina, where the beaches and golf are divine.

Get a historic picture of our country’s civil rights struggle with a trip to Birmingham, Alabama. Visit the seven sites affiliated with the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument, which includes the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church and other points of interest central to the fight for racial equality. There’s a botanical garden, a zoo and a respected art museum in Birmingham, too.

Walk along the Battery, a fortified seawall, and admire the stunning architecture of the historic Charleston, South Carolina, homes that overlook the water. Strolling the Battery, you’ll also be able to see Fort Sumter, Castle Pickney and Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse, as well as the soothing green of White Point Garden. Pick up a souvenir or two from the artists and vendors in the City Market before dining in one of Charleston’s award-winning restaurants.

On Alabama’s coast, enjoy warm weather and beautiful beaches in the city of Gulf Shores. There are plenty of beachfront accommodations and lots of restaurants. Enjoy fishing off the pier, or maybe ziplining over sand dunes is more your thing. You’ll find golf courses and a nearby wildlife refuge, too.

Mardi Gras is just one of the attractions of the beautiful and unique city of New Orleans, which is a glorious mashup of African, French, and American cultures. The music scene is incredible, the food is out-of-this-world delicious, and the extravagant cemeteries. Take a ride on a paddle boat or stroll around the French Quarter and revel in the singular architecture.