Huntington Beach State Park
Park Coastal park with beaches and migratory bird habitat
On the Grand Strand, Huntington Beach State Park protects oceanfront dunes, walking trails and Atalaya, the historic winter residence of sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington; visitors birdwatch, fish and explore the shore.
Huntington Beach State Park is a coastal state park in South Carolina near Murrells Inlet that combines beaches, tidal marshes and a historic residence. The park protects ocean frontage and extensive saltmarshes and is frequently visited for birdwatching and coastal nature experiences.
Within the park sits the Spanish-style winter home of philanthropic couple Archer Huntington and sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, which is a notable historic structure and draws visitors interested in the site’s cultural history. The park’s beaches, marshes and tidal creeks provide habitat for a wide range of coastal birds and marine life and are used for wildlife observation and walking.
The property has been managed as a state park to conserve both the natural coastal systems and the historic structures associated with the Huntingtons’ estate.
The park is located on the South Carolina coast near Murrells Inlet and south of the Myrtle Beach area in Georgetown County.
- Birding hotspot: The park is a well-known birding location with salt marshes and shorelines supporting migratory and resident waterfowl and shorebirds.
What to See #
- Atalaya: Atalaya - the Spanish-style winter home of Archer Huntington and sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, located within the park and open for tours at scheduled times.
- Beaches and marshes: Coastal beaches and tidal marshes that form extensive saltmarsh habitat along the park's shoreline.
How to Get to Huntington Beach State Park #
Huntington Beach State Park is located at Murrells Inlet on the South Carolina Grand Strand. The park is reached by car from the Myrtle Beach area via US‑17 (Ocean Highway) south toward Murrells Inlet; it lies roughly 12-15 miles south of central Myrtle Beach (about a 20-30 minute drive depending on traffic). There is on‑site parking for visitors and the park is commonly visited together with nearby Brookgreen Gardens.
Tips for Visiting Huntington Beach State Park #
- Arrive at or shortly after sunrise to secure one of the limited parking spots and catch the most active period for shorebirds and other wildlife on the lagoon and marshes.
- Use the park entrance off US‑17/Myrtle Beach area (follow signs for Huntington Beach State Park) and plan time to visit Atalaya (the park's historic Moorish-style residence), as its tour hours are limited and separate from general beach access.
- Many visitors stay on the beach; don't miss the inland trails and the freshwater marsh behind the dunes for spring/fall bird migration viewing and quieter wildlife observation.
Best Time to Visit Huntington Beach State Park #
Spring and fall are the best times to visit for pleasant temperatures, lower insect levels and comfortable wildlife viewing.
Weather & Climate near Huntington Beach State Park #
Huntington Beach State Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1364 mm/year), wettest in August.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).
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June
June is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (179 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (151 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).