Huntington Beach State Park

Huntington Beach State Park was originally part of the 9,000 acre homestead and gardens of Archer M Huntington and his wife Anna Hyatt Huntington. The castle at the park, Atalaya, was their winter home until 1947. The Huntingtons bought four former rice plantations, swamp, and beachfront in Georgetown County, SC in order to build a home in a warmer climate - both for Anna's TB and to have a garden to display her many sculptures. The area they created was called Brookgreen Gardens, which still thrives today. Now separated by Highway 17, the Atlantic side of Brookgreen Gardens was leased to the State in 1960 and became the state park. Follow this link for a map of the park.

*The park is open Saturday through Thursday from 6am to 6pm, and on Fridays from 6am to 8pm. During Daylight Savings Time, the park hours are extended to 10pm. Atalaya Castle is open from 9am to 5pm, year-round.

*Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas. They must be physically restrained or held on leashes no longer than 6 ft. No dogs are allowed near the jetties. Please see the map at the link above to view the boundaries.

*Salt marshes, one of the world's most productive eco-systems, make up a majority of the state park. "Much of Huntington Beach's marsh is now registered under the South Carolina Heritage Trust Program to help preserve its unusually pristine nature." (Quote found here.)

*Atalaya and Brookgreen Gardens are registered as a National Historic Landmark. Atalaya Castle is on the National Register of Historic Places.

There are numerous activities to enjoy while visiting Huntington Beach State Park! Besides sunbathing and enjoying the ocean for a swim or boogie boarding, try any or all of these activities!

*Camping - If you enjoy camping, there are several ways to partake here at Huntington Beach. Two campgrounds provide 133 camping sites that can accomodate tent or RV camping. Campsites are convenient to restrooms and hot showers. During the off-season discounts are available.
***107 sites offer electricity and water
***24 sites offer electricity, water, and sewer
***6 walk-in sites are designated as tent-only
***There is also a primitive camping area that is great for groups up to 200 people. These sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and restrooms. (No showers.)

*Fishing - Try your hand at fishing from the jetties or do some surf fishing. There are many kinds of fish abundant in these waters, including spotted seatrout, red drum, black drum, flounders, whiting, Spanish and king mackerel, sheepshead, and crevalle jack. Don't forget to get your SC Saltwater Fishing License!

*Hiking - Besides a nice walk along the beach, where you can see dolphins jumping, you can get in some hiking on the trails. The Sandpiper Pond Trail is 2 miles long, and the Kerrigan Trail is approximately 1/4 mile. There are also many boardwalks that extend into the marsh and lagoon for breathtaking wildlife viewing.

*Birding - Huntington Beach State Park is a marvelous place for birding enthusiasts! With over 300 different species of birds sighted in this area, you'll be sure to have an exciting time birdwatching. Check out this link for the most recent bird checklist. Keep your eyes on the skies from the causeway, the jetties, or the beach, and see how many species you can spot. Some of the best birding can be done during the winter months.

Atalaya - Take a tour (guided by a docent from Friends of Huntington Beach State Park, or self-guided) of this "castle", the former winter home of Archer M Huntington and Anna Hyatt Huntington. Don't miss the guided Ghost Tour of Atalaya!

*Education Center - Stop by the Education Center Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm. See live baby alligators, and experience the saltwater touch-tank! The Education Center is often the meeting place for many of the park programs. Check out this site for a list and descriptions of the numberous incredible programs they offer! Salt Marsh Seining, Coastal Kayaking, and Spineless Wonders are just a few of the many programs available.

*Arts and Crafts Festival - Every September you will find Atalaya transformed into a incredible display of arts and crafts from over 100 local and national artists. This 3-day juried event attracts several thousand visitors each year. Don't miss it!