Top 10 Southern Seafood Dives

North Carolina's Provision Company is a can't-miss seafood dive in Southport. Locals know the spot, which first opened in 1993, as "Provisions." In addition to a killer menu, the spot has views of the area's Southport Yacht Basin, Intracoastal Waterway, and the mouth of Cape Fear River.

Learn more: provisioncompany.com

Gulf Shores, Alabama, is home to Sea-n-Suds Restaurant and Oyster Bar, which is a much-loved eatery just steps from the Gulf of Mexico. Sea-n-Suds first opened in 1975 and is still going strong while serving up fresh seafood and good vibes. You can find a virtual tour of the restaurant at their website, linked below.

Learn more: sea-n-suds.com

The sign outside J. B.'s Fish Camp & Seafood Restaurant, which is located in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, proclaims, "Southern Seafood With an Attitude." That's exactly what you'll find at this out-of-the-way spot on the Indian River. Sandwiched between the river on one side and the Atlantic Ocean across the street, catches its own blue crabs and serves them steaming hot in buckets.

Learn more: jbsfishcamp.com

Anglers have to backstroke for table space among the bankers, lawyers, secretaries, and other landlubbers who anchor for succulent seafood specialties fresh off the boat at the hidden-away eatery between Houston and Galveston. Located in San Leon, Texas, this seafood spot is a longtime favorite.

Learn more: topwatergrill.com

When on the South Carolina coast, find yourself a seafood spot like Bowens Island. This Charleston restaurant near Folly Beach is legendary for its buckets of steamed oysters. With a big menu of seafood, hush puppies, and Frogmore stew, as well as great views of the marsh, you'll want to pull up a chair and settle in.

Learn more: bowensisland.com

The flashing lights and clanking coins of the nearby casinos seem a lifetime away here on the banks of the serene Bayou Bernard. Set your sights on this Gulfport, Mississippi, eatery and snag a table out on the deck close to sunset when about the only shows around are the easy ripples from an occasional outboard puttering by.

Learn more: blowflyinn.com

This Gulf Coast spot is world famous for its live music and seafood, which it's been serving up since 1964. It's also legendary for its must-try beach cocktail: The deliciously icy Bushwacker is a boozy milkshake worth making a beach trip for.

Learn more: florabama.com

Located in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, this 30A restaurant is a popular spot for drinks, oysters, and fresh-from-the-Gulf catches. If you're headed out on the water, stop by Stinky's Bait Shack next door for all you need for ocean adventures.

Learn more: stinkysfishcamp.com

Located in the Florida Keys on Big Pine Key (which is famed for its population of miniature deer), this coastal spot is an out-of-the-way destination for grub and drinks. Locals love the pizza and smoked fish dip out of this rustic , dollar-bill-wallpapered bar, which got its start in the 1930s as a bait and tackle shop.

Learn more: nonamepub.com

Locally caught blue crabs, oysters, and wild shrimp are all dishes on the menu at this Sunbury, Georgia, seafood shack. Moss-draped trees are the canopy and marsh views stretch into the distance; both accompany your dinner of steamed blue crabs, which will have you coming back for more.

Learn more: sunburycrabco.com