Huntington Beach State Park, Coastal nature reserve in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
Huntington Beach State Park is a coastal nature reserve in Murrells Inlet that combines salt marshes, freshwater lakes, and a sandy beach along the Atlantic Ocean. The grounds span thousands of acres and present diverse landscapes suitable for walking and observing wildlife.
The property was originally owned by philanthropist Archer Huntington and artist Anna Hyatt Huntington, who built their residence and creative center on the land. During the 1960s, the grounds became a state park and were opened to the public.
Atalaya Castle, the Huntingtons' winter home, was built during the Great Depression using only local workers and designed to withstand hurricanes. Anna Hyatt Huntington's sculpture studio formed part of the compound, and many of her works stand in nearby Brookgreen Gardens, the former estate now open as a public sculpture garden. The Friends of Huntington Beach State Park run tours of the house and its visitor center exhibits.
The park provides marked trails for walking through different habitats and several spots designed for observing animals and birds. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes for uneven paths and prepare for sun exposure and insects, particularly during warmer months.
Local birders call the park "HBSP" in their communications. In winter, roseate spoonbills feed in both the fresh and saltwater marshes, while the jetty draws gannets, loons, scoters and occasionally alcids such as razorbills and murres. Large flocks of tree swallows also gather here.
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