HUNTINGTON BEACH STATE PARK
Huntington Beach offers its visitors the best preserved beach on the Grand Strand.
The park's freshwater lagoon, saltmarsh, maritime forest and beach are outstanding examples of the state's natural coastal environment. These also provide such prime habitat for birds that the park is widely recognized as one of the best birding sites along the East Coast.
Huntington Beach is also the site of the historic Atalaya castle. The former winter home and studio of noted American sculptress, Anna Hyatt Huntington, and her husband, Archer Milton Huntington, Atalaya is also listed as a National Historic Landmark.
Historical Significance: Atalaya, a National Historic Landmark, stands as monument to the creativity and generosity of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington.
A noted scholar of Spanish culture and art, Archer Huntington modeled the couple?s winter home in the style of the Moorish architecture of the Spanish Mediterranean coast.
South Carolina offers a variety of Park Passports. You can read more about the South Carolina Park Passports and order online by visiting the
SOUTH CAROLINA PARK PASSPORTS web page.
Day-UseFishingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Swimming Beachyes
Bike Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Water/Electric Sitesyes
Full Hookup Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
1. Huntington Beach State Park offers a wide sandy beach for ocean swimming.
2. Lifeguards are on duty during peak summer months ensuring safety while you swim.
3. The park doesn't have any designated pool areas, only natural bodies of water to enjoy.
4. Be cautious about jellyfish and rip currents when swimming in the Atlantic Ocean at this location.
5. Swimming is not allowed around or near the jetty due to strong currents and sharp rocks present there.
The park offers saltwater fishing from the surf, jetty or a causeway. Species include flounder, red drum and sea trout.
Freshwater lagoons are home to bass and catfish for those preferring inland angling.
A valid South Carolina fishing license is required in all areas of the park before casting your line.
Fishing gear can be rented on-site if you don't have your own equipment with you.
Remember that certain species may have size restrictions or catch limits based on state regulations.
Huntington Beach State Park is located near Conway, Georgetown and Murrells Inlet
Huntington Beach State Park offers picnic tables and shelters, with grills available. Enjoy your meal surrounded by beautiful beach views.
Biking enthusiasts can explore the park's three-mile loop. Be cautious, as it is shared with pedestrians and vehicles.
The trail offers scenic views of marshland wildlife but requires careful navigation due to sandy patches.
Renting bicycles on-site isn't an option; remember to bring your own or rent one nearby before arriving at the park.
Helmets are recommended for safety while biking in this area, especially given its mixed-use nature and varying terrain conditions.
During peak hours, cyclists should be extra vigilant because of increased foot traffic along trails.
Remember that night cycling is not permitted within these grounds - plan accordingly so you finish before dusk falls.
While there aren't any specific mountain bike trails here, off-road bikers may find some suitable paths if they tread carefully.
Be aware: alligators inhabit this region! Always keep a safe distance when encountering them during your ride through their natural habitat.
Education Center The 2,500-square-foot Education Center featuring a saltwater touch tank and a live baby alligator among its exhibits was created to share with visitors the interdependence of human beings and the natural community, focusing on the intersection of land, marsh and sea that makes the Grand Strand such an attractive and critical environment.
The center is open Tuesday through Sunday year-round from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at the marsh boardwalk.
For program information, contact the center at 843/235-8755.
The park offers over 300 bird species, including rare ones like the painted bunting and bald eagle. Birdwatchers can explore three nature trails or visit a large freshwater lagoon for sightings. The causeway is popular for spotting alligators and wading birds alike. A variety of habitats such as salt marshes, maritime forests, and sandy beaches attract diverse avian life.