Huntington Beach State Park, Coastal state park in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
Huntington Beach State Park is a coastal park near Murrells Inlet with salt marshes, forests, and lakes along the Atlantic shore. The grounds include a nature center with aquariums and touch tanks where visitors can observe marine animals and coastal wildlife.
The park was established in 1960 by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, who incorporated their winter home Atalaya into the grounds. The castle displays Moorish architectural style and forms a central historical focal point.
The Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival held each September draws artisans who display their handmade works within the castle walls, offering visitors a look at regional creative traditions.
The park offers over 170 camping sites with electrical hookups for visitors who want to stay overnight. The pathways and facilities are straightforward to navigate, offering different ways to explore the grounds.
The park hosts more than 300 bird species that appear during different seasons throughout the year. Birdwatchers visit regularly to spot uncommon migratory species, especially during peak migration periods.
Address: 16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Phone: +(843)2374440
Website: https://southcarolinaparks.com/huntington-beach
GPS coordinates: 33.51456,-79.06093
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40
Myrtle Beach offers a comprehensive destination combining 62 miles of sandy beaches, protected natural areas, and a variety of family activities. This South Carolina resort features experiences for all preferences, from water parks like Myrtle Waves to cultural sites such as Brookgreen Gardens, home to the largest collection of American sculptures in the country. The famous Ocean Boulevard runs through the city center, serving the main attractions. Visitors can explore Ripley's Aquarium with its underwater tunnels, ride the 57-meter-high SkyWheel, or visit Broadway at the Beach, a complex housing 350 shops and restaurants. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy Myrtle Beach State Park with its 3 miles of preserved shoreline and hiking trails through maritime forests. Entertainment options range from amusement parks like Family Kingdom to Broadway shows in local theaters. The MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet offers wildlife viewing of salt marshes while dining in seafood restaurants. This variety makes Myrtle Beach appealing to both families and couples seeking seaside relaxation.
South Carolina combines American history with coastal landscapes and urban parks. Charleston preserves colonial architecture from the 18th century, including the Nathaniel Russell House and Drayton Hall. Plantations such as Magnolia, Middleton Place, and Boone Hall show the agricultural past and the history of slavery, while the Old Slave Mart Museum and McLeod Plantation document this difficult era. Fort Sumter marks the beginning of the Civil War. The city offers historic churches, Rainbow Row with its colorful townhouses, and the Charleston City Market. The coastal region includes beaches on Hilton Head Island, Folly Beach, and Sullivan's Island, along with state parks like Hunting Island and Huntington Beach. Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet combines sculpture with native plants. Myrtle Beach offers the SkyWheel and Broadway at the Beach. Inland, the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, Falls Park in Greenville with waterfalls on the Reedy River, and the Angel Oak, a centuries-old tree near Charleston. The South Carolina Aquarium and Charleston Tea Garden round out the options.
Brookgreen Gardens
3.7 km
Atalaya Castle
2.3 km
Huntington Beach State Park
198 m
Family Kingdom Amusement Park
24.3 km
Myrtle Beach State Park
19.3 km
The Market Common - Myrtle Beach
20.7 km
Brookgreen Gardens
2.6 km
Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge
13.5 km
Arcadia Plantation
21 km
Black River Plantation House
22.2 km
Beneventum Plantation House
20.1 km
Atalaya and Brookgreen Gardens
2.3 km
The Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk
5.5 km
Savannah's Playground
20.1 km
All Saints' Episcopal Church, Waccamaw
9 km
Crazy Sister Marina - Fishing, Cruises & Watersports
5.2 km
Pawleys Island Historic District
12 km
Prince Frederick's Chapel Ruins
11.1 km
Cedar Grove Plantation Chapel
8.9 km
Summer Chapel, Prince Frederick's Episcopal Church
14.7 km
Summer Chapel Rectory, Prince Frederick's Episcopal Church
15 km
Springmaid Pier
20.6 km
Safari Lodge Photo Encounter (Reservation Only)
21.8 km
Franklin G. Burroughs - Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum
20.7 km
T.i.g.e.r.s.
21.9 km
Warbird Park
20.5 km
Surfside Beach Library
13.1 km
Myrtle Beach World War II Memorial
20.4 kmReviews
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