: 8 fun, affordable beachfront investments

It's time to shake those cold-weather blues, get some sun and maybe even invest in some vacation property.

To get an idea of what a beach property would cost in some of the most popular spring break areas, we shopped for condos along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, from South Padre Island, Texas, to Daytona Beach, Fla.

We found eight two-bedroom condos, either on the beach or within easy walking distance of the water, for between $150,000 and $250,000.

They not only offer a fun retreat for you and the kids, but they are potential investment properties that can be rented out when you're not there.

Pay special attention to the big difference in price per square foot — a great way to compare how far your housing dollar will stretch. Let's begin our tour of these eight spring break havens in what's affectionately known as the Redneck Riviera.