Huntington Beach State Park Park

Address: 16148 Ocean Hwy (US-17), Murrells Inlet / near Georgetown, South Carolina

Website: https://southcarolinaparks.com/huntington-beach

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.

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.

• 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.