Tourism News
Myrtle Beach Attractions Spotlight: Huntington Beach State Park & Atalaya Castle
Huntington Beach State Park is a beautiful part of the culture and history of the arts in South Carolina.
The park contains campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking and bike trails, a private beach and a 2,500 square foot nature center.
Visitors can also take tours of Atalaya Castle and get a glimpse into the life of Archer M. Huntington, a railroad tycoon, and his wife, Anna Hyatt Huntington, a sculptress, during the mid 20th century.
The park is a great place to be if you need a break from your busy schedule to relax at the beach or if you want to witness for yourself the history of the Huntingtons and their impact on the Murrells Inlet area.
The History
Archer M. Huntington and Anna Vaughn Hyatt Huntington were the original owners of the area.
In the 19th century, Huntington Beach State Park was the seaside portion of a sprawling rice plantation, known as the Waccamaw Neck Rice Plantations.
In the early 20th century, the Huntingtons, acquired the land that is now Huntington Beach State Park. He purchased this plantation to serve as a retreat and hunting preserve, as well as a place for Anna to work on her sculptures.
In 1931, the Huntingtons built Atalaya as their oceanside, winter home and established Brookgreen Gardens, located just across what is now Highway 17, as a place to put Anna’s sculptures on display. The name Atalaya” is a Spanish term for watchtower.
Archer Huntington designed the house after the Moorish architecture of the Spanish Mediterranean Coast. During World War II, the Huntingtons turned over Atalaya and the surrounding land to the U.S. Army Air Corps.
The grounds were fortified and a radar station was set up inside of Atalaya. Shell casings still wash ashore as reminders of the time when the beach was used as training ground to prepare young soldiers for battle.
Today, Huntington Beach State Park is operated by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.
Visiting the park
Visitors can receive an all day pass to Huntington Beach State Park for the small price of $5.
Once you pass the gate and enter the park, you are surrounded by nature. The beach at Huntington stretches for three miles and has a main access point near the parking lot, as well as a few small entrances located near the campgrounds.
There are no other beach entrances near Huntington’s entrances, so the beach is relatively remote. Visitors can enjoy fishing is off the jetty and off the beach, just not near the main swimming areas. There are bathrooms located close to the beach access in the main building.
The Saltwater Marsh
In addition to the 3-mile stretch of beach, Huntington Park is also home to one of the world’s most productive ecosystems: the saltwater marsh.
The marsh can be viewed from the causeway where you can walk alongside the water to view its serenity and all of the wildlife living at Huntington Beach State Park. Animals you may see include alligators, pelicans, bald eagles, and spoonbills.
There are docks equipped with binoculars to help you get a better view of the marsh and its inhabitants.
Perhaps the most well-known animals that many viewers come to see at Huntington Beach State Park are the birds. Birders have been coming to Huntington Beach State Park for years to see the more than 300 species of birds that have been recorded here.
Huntington is one of the top spots on the East Coast for bird watching. Birds such as bald eagles, ducks, mergansers, and buffleheads can be observed from the causeway.
Birds can also be spotted from the jetty and at the beach. The jetty is a little over a one-mile walk from the main beach entrance, but it’s worth it if you’re up for some exercise. The jetty is a man-made replica of a rocky coastline that has a paved top so that visitors can walk out to the edge to get a great view of the offshore waters.
Birds such as razorbills, black guillemots, and horned grebes can be seen hanging out around the jetty. The best chance at seeing all of these birds is in the wintertime.
The park also has a freshwater lake, where you can spot alligators and maybe even a few minks. There is a boat access ramp located one mile from the park entrance at Oyster Landing.
Visiting Atalaya Castle
There’s nothing quite like Atalaya Castle. Walking into the home of Brookgreen Gardens’ founding family is like walking into a piece of history.
The outer walls of Atalaya form a square, with the east side facing the ocean.
When you enter Atalaya, there is a covered walkway with a square tower that separates the home. On both sides of the walkway, there are grassy open inner courtyards decorated with palm trees and walkways.
The house and grounds contain more than 30 rooms, including servants living quarters, the library, the bedrooms, Archer’s study, and Anna’s indoor and outdoor sculpture studios.
Mrs. Huntington had a passion for sculpting animals. She kept animals on the property next to the house so that she could sculpt based on her own perception of the animal instead of by memory. The house had facilities including horse stables, a dog kennel, and a bear pen. Yes, a bear pen!
As you can see upon entering the home, there is no furniture or any artifacts at all left behind. That is because, after Archer Huntington’s death in 1955, most of the furnishings were moved to the Huntington home in New York City. All of the equipment from Anna’s sculpture studio was transferred to the new studio located at Brookgreen Gardens.
In tribute to Mrs. Huntington and all that she did for the arts, Huntington Beach State Park hosts the annual Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival during the fourth weekend of September.
Top Deals
Check out today's hottest deals on accommodations and hotels in Myrtle Beach:
-
Grande Shores Myrtle Beach
Save Over 25% Off Year-Round!SAVE over 25% OFF your 2024 vacation. Plus enjoy waves of benefits including FREE DVD rentals, and tickets to select local attractions during your stay!
More info
-
Caribbean Resort & Villas Myrtle Beach
25% OFF Spring Adventure SaleSAVE 25% on your accommodations! Enjoy Bigger & Better FREE Fun with our Brittain Rewards program that offers FREE or discounted admission to local attractions such as Broadway Grand Prix, Myrtle Beach Watersports, Wonderworks, and more.
More info
-
Sand Dunes Resort Myrtle Beach
SPRING BREAK SAVINGS!35% off Discounted Rates. 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom Condos. Enjoy our HUGE onsite Waterpark, Neptune Blacklight Indoor Mini Golf and the resort’s Arcade Adventure ~Family FUNZone! Enjoy easy access to the beach- considered the BEST LOCATION in Myrtle Beach. Book now!
More info
-
North Beach Resort & Villas Myrtle Beach
25% OFF Spring Adventure SaleUnwind and escape to North Beach Resort & Villas with our Spring Adventure Sale. Save 25% on your next vacation getaway and enjoy luxury accommodations, the Caribbean-theme pool deck, on-site dining and more!
More info
-
Breakers Resort Myrtle Beach
25% OFF Spring Adventure SaleSAVE 25% on your accommodations! Enjoy Bigger & Better FREE Fun with our Brittain Rewards program that offers FREE or discounted admission to local attractions such as Broadway Grand Prix, Myrtle Beach Watersports, Wonderworks, and more.
More info
-
Landmark Resort Myrtle Beach
Free Spring Night + Waterpark!Pay for 2 nights and receive a 3rd night FREE this spring! Plus, enjoy free access to the on-site waterpark (opening for the season March 22, 2024), easy beach access, free Wi-Fi, pools, whirlpools and more. Hurry, book today!
More info
-
Dayton House Resort Myrtle Beach
Free Breakfast DailyEnjoy the lowest rates for 2024 plus FREE, hot breakfast daily at The Rose Room! Minimum stay restrictions apply on certain dates, special events, and holidays. Offer not valid on pre-existing reservations. Some exclusions and/or restrictions may apply. Limited time offer, limited availability.
More info
-
Seaside North Myrtle Beach
Save Over 25% Off Year-Round!SAVE over 25% OFF your 2024 vacation. Plus enjoy waves of benefits including FREE DVD rentals, and tickets to select local attractions during your stay!
More info
-
Prince Resort North Myrtle Beach
Save Over 25% Off Year-Round!SAVE over 25% OFF your 2024 vacation. Plus enjoy waves of benefits including FREE DVD rentals, and tickets to select local attractions during your stay!
More info
-
Paradise Resort Myrtle Beach
25% OFF Spring Adventure SaleSAVE 25% on your accommodations! Enjoy Bigger & Better FREE Fun with our Brittain Rewards program that offers FREE or discounted admission to local attractions such as Broadway Grand Prix, Myrtle Beach Watersports, Wonderworks, and more.
More info
-
Ocean Reef Myrtle Beach
25% OFF Spring Adventure SaleSAVE 25% on your accommodations! Enjoy Bigger & Better FREE Fun with our Brittain Rewards program that offers FREE or discounted admission to local attractions such as Broadway Grand Prix, Myrtle Beach Watersports, Wonderworks, and more.
More info
-
North Shore Oceanfront Hotel
SPRING BREAK SAVINGS!25% Discounted Rates. Spacious oceanfront accommodations. Enjoy a wide variety of family amenities including The Blacklight Indoor Mini Golf, indoor and outdoor pools, plus an incredible Resort Water Park! Many consider our location The Best Oceanfront area along the Grand Strand.
More info
-
Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark
Spring & Waterpark from $105!Book now for Oceanfront Efficiencies from just $105/night this spring on select weekdays! Includes FREE access to the on-site, year-round waterpark. Plus, enjoy pools, dining, the largest resort arcade in town and more. Hurry, book today! *Taxes/fees not included. Rates vary based on date.
More info
-
The Strand
25% OFF Spring Adventure SaleSAVE 25% on your accommodations and receive FREE Breakfasts daily! Enjoy Bigger & Better FREE Fun with our Brittain Rewards program that offers FREE or discounted admission to local attractions such as Broadway Grand Prix, Myrtle Beach Watersports, Wonderworks, and more.
More info
-
Landmark Resort Myrtle Beach
$79+ Spring!Book now for Interior Rooms from just $79/night this spring on select weekdays! Enjoy FREE access to the on-site waterpark (opening for the season March 22, 2024), easy beach access, free Wi-Fi, pools, whirlpools and more. Hurry, book today! *Taxes/fees not included. Rates vary based on date.
More info
-
Captain’s Quarters Resort Myrtle Beach
45% – Top Kid-Friendly ResortStay Sunday through Thursday and save up to 45% off at this top-rated kid-friendly Myrtle Beach resort! Enjoy the Shipwreck Lagoon Kids' Waterpark, free Wi-Fi, easy beach access, indoor pool and lazy river and more!
More info
-
Bay View on the Boardwalk
25% OFF Spring Adventure SaleSAVE 25% on your accommodations! Enjoy Bigger & Better FREE Fun with our Brittain Rewards program that offers FREE or discounted admission to local attractions such as Broadway Grand Prix, Myrtle Beach Watersports, Wonderworks, and more.
More info
-
Compass Cove Resort Myrtle Beach
25% OFF Spring Adventure SaleSAVE 25% on your accommodations! Enjoy Bigger & Better FREE Fun with our Brittain Rewards program that offers FREE or discounted admission to local attractions such as Broadway Grand Prix, Myrtle Beach Watersports, Wonderworks, and more.
More info
-
Grande Cayman Resort Myrtle Beach
25% OFF Spring Adventure SaleSAVE 25% on your accommodations! Enjoy Bigger & Better FREE Fun with our Brittain Rewards program that offers FREE or discounted admission to local attractions such as Broadway Grand Prix, Myrtle Beach Watersports, Wonderworks, and more.
More info
-
Dunes Village Resort Myrtle Beach
Splash Into SpringSave Up To 40% Off. Rates starting at $99.00 March, April and May And $209.00 June, July and August. Restrictions Apply.
More info
-
KOA Myrtle Beach
Luck of the Irish DealFor the remainder of March, book four nights in any RV site (excluding owner sites) and get an extra night free. Also book any deluxe cabin and get 20% off.
More info
-
Monterey Bay Myrtle Beach
25% OFF Spring Adventure SaleSAVE 25% on your accommodations and receive FREE Breakfasts daily! Enjoy Bigger & Better FREE Fun with our Brittain Rewards program that offers FREE or discounted admission to local attractions such as Broadway Grand Prix, Myrtle Beach Watersports, Wonderworks, and more.
More info
-
Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark
Free Night + Waterpark!Pay for 5 nights and get 2 free! Includes FREE access to the on-site, year-round waterpark. Plus, enjoy pools, dining, the largest resort arcade in town and so much more. Hurry, book today!
More info
-
The Caravelle Resort Myrtle Beach
Free Spring Night!Pay for 2 nights and receive a 3rd night FREE at The Caravelle Resort this spring! Enjoy the convenient central Myrtle Beach location, beach access, block-long pool deck, sun deck with hammocks and so much more. Hurry, book today!
More info
-
Avista Resort North Myrtle Beach
Save Over 25% Off Year-Round!SAVE over 25% OFF your 2024 vacation. Plus enjoy waves of benefits including FREE DVD rentals, and tickets to select local attractions during your stay!
More info
More information
Huntington Beach State Park
16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576