Looking for the perfect day trip during your stay at Crown Reef Resort? Just a 25–30 minute drive down the coast lands you at Huntington Beach State Park—a quiet, nature-packed escape with sandy shores, marshes teeming with wildlife, and one very mysterious castle.
Whether you love birdwatching, beachcombing, or simply escaping the everyday hustle, Huntington Beach State Park is the perfect retreat. Book your stay at Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark and set out on a mini adventure filled with sun, sand, and natural beauty.
From peaceful trails to pristine shoreline, here’s everything you need to know for the perfect day at one of the Grand Strand’s most stunning natural escapes.
Get to Know Huntington Beach State Park
- Location: 16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC
- Park Grounds Hours: Daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., extended until 10:00 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time.
- Atalaya Castle Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., extended to 5:00 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time.
Huntington Beach State Park spans 2,500 acres of protected coastal habitat near Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Park features include a scenic blend of salt marshes, maritime forests, and sandy shores. Its three-mile stretch of pristine beach is perfect for quiet strolls, fishing, and relaxing with few beachgoers in sight.
The park is also home to Atalaya Castle, a National Historic Landmark and the former winter home of famed sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington.
You’ll find plenty to explore, with a nature center, walking trails, birdwatching hotspots, and a gift shop for souvenirs and essentials.
Best Time to Visit
Huntington Beach State Park shines year-round. Each season brings its own perks, whether it’s sunny beach days in summer, golden marshes and crisp air in fall, quiet wildlife encounters in winter, or blooming trails and active animals in spring.
For seasonal events and educational programs, be sure to check the events calendar when you plan to visit or talk to a ranger at the park office.
Pro Tip: From March through September, the park is quite busy on the weekends and holidays. The park has begun offering parking reservations on select dates to guarantee access.
Here’s what you can expect year round at Huntington Beach State Park.
Summer at the Park
Long, sunny days and a salty breeze make summer a favorite time to visit Huntington Beach State Park. With three miles of shoreline, it’s easy to find your own slice of pristine beach that’s perfect for lounging, shell hunting, or casting a line for a relaxing afternoon of surf fishing.
The Nature Center buzzes with energy in the summer months, inviting guests to meet live animals, explore touch tanks, and learn about the coastal ecosystem through interactive displays. For something more adventurous, rent a kayak to glide through the calm salt marshes, where you can spot birds, turtles, and more wildlife in their natural habitat.
Summer Events & Programs
- Guided beach walks
- Salt marsh kayak tours
- Alligator and birding programs
- Junior ranger activities for kids
- Live animal feedings and presentations at the Nature Center
Fall at the Park
Crisp air, golden marsh grasses, and fewer crowds make fall an ideal time to explore Huntington Beach State Park. Birdwatching hits its peak as hundreds of migratory species pass through, making it a haven for photographers and wildlife lovers.
The star of the season is the Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival, held each September on the castle grounds, showcasing regional artists, live music, and food vendors. Cooler temperatures also make it perfect for wandering through Atalaya Castle, taking in its architecture and quiet atmosphere.
Fall Events & Programs
- Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival
- Guided birding tours
- Castle history walks
- Fall foliage and photography walks
Winter at the Park
Winter brings a peaceful stillness to Huntington Beach State Park, offering quiet trails, open beaches, and wildlife encounters without the crowds. It’s a perfect time for long, scenic walks along the boardwalks or spotting wildlife like alligators and shorebirds in the lagoons.
The Nature Center stays active through the season, providing a cozy spot to learn about native species and enjoy indoor exhibits.
Winter Events & Programs
- Wildlife observation walks
- Winter nature talks
- Indoor programs at the Nature Center
- Hikes and photography tours
Spring at the Park
Spring at Huntington Beach State Park brings fresh blooms, migrating birds, and perfect weather for exploring the trails, beaches, and marsh boardwalks.
The Nature Center springs into action with fresh exhibits and lively programs, and conditions are perfect for surf fishing as the weather warms up. It’s a great time to explore both the beach and the inland trails as everything begins to bloom and buzz again.
Spring Events & Programs
- Wildflower and nature hikes
- Birding workshops
- Surf fishing clinics
- Live animal programs at the Nature Center
Things to Do at Huntington Beach State Park
Whether you’re spending just a few hours or the entire day, there’s plenty to keep you busy at Huntington Beach State Park. From history and wildlife to outdoor relaxation, the park has something for every type of explorer.
1. Tour Atalaya Castle
No trip to Huntington Beach State Park is complete without stepping inside Atalaya Castle, the former winter home of industrialist Archer Huntington and sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington.
Built in the 1930s, this Moorish-style mansion is a fascinating glimpse into history, with its sprawling courtyards, wrought-iron details, and more than 30 rooms that once housed the couple, their staff, and even Anna’s animal models for her artwork.
Visitors can walk through at their own pace, exploring the arched passageways and imagining the lives once lived there. Interpretive signs throughout the castle share stories of its unique architecture and the Huntington legacy.
2. Have a Picnic
Huntington Beach State Park has scenic picnic areas with tables, grills, and ocean breezes that are perfect for a relaxed meal outdoors. Bring lunch, some snacks, or fire up the grill and enjoy a peaceful bite surrounded by nature.
3. Hike the Trails
Huntington Beach State Park features a mix of coastal and wooded hiking trails that offer scenic views and peaceful surroundings. Whether you’re after a quick nature walk or a longer journey through the maritime forest, the paths are well-marked and accessible for all skill levels.
4. Try Surf Fishing
For anglers, Huntington Beach State Park is one of the best spots along the Grand Strand to cast a line. Surf fishing along the vast, sandy shoreline offers a chance to reel in flounder, red drum, trout, and even the occasional shark. The park’s unspoiled beach makes for a peaceful setting—perfect for early morning or late afternoon fishing when the crowds thin and the fish are more active.
What to Know Before You Go
- A valid South Carolina saltwater fishing license is required.
- Popular catches include spot, whiting, trout, flounder, and red drum.
- The best action is usually spring through fall, especially around tide changes.
5. Go Birdwatching
With a variety of habitats, including marshes, forests, and beachfront, the park is a hotspot for birding. Bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for egrets, herons, ospreys, and even the occasional bald eagle.
6. Relax on the Shore
Huntington Beach State Park’s wide, uncrowded shoreline is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Families can spend the day building sandcastles or wading in the gentle surf, while nature lovers stroll the sands in search of seashells and shorebirds. It’s a peaceful alternative to Myrtle Beach’s busier stretches.
Pro Tip: Visit at low tide for the best shelling and tide pool discoveries, or stay through sunset for some of the most spectacular views on the Grand Strand.
Things to Do Nearby
Just across Highway 17 from Huntington Beach State Park is Brookgreen Gardens, a breathtaking blend of sculpture, botanical gardens, and wildlife. This former rice plantation is now home to one of the most impressive outdoor sculpture collections in the country, along with a small zoo, seasonal exhibits, and walking trails. It’s an excellent add-on for a full day of nature, art, and culture.
If you’re in the mood for food or shopping, head into Murrells Inlet, known for its fresh seafood and laid-back charm. The MarshWalk offers waterfront dining, live music, and beautiful views. Perfect for wrapping up your park day with a sunset meal.
Plan Your Visit to Huntington Beach State Park
Whether you’re after solitude, history, or a sandy escape, Huntington Beach State Park delivers. It’s one of South Carolina’s great places to visit, offering beachgoers a peaceful break just a short drive from Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark.
From Atalaya Castle to the nature center, there’s no shortage of beauty, wildlife, and wonder. Book your stay and add this mini adventure to your Myrtle Beach getaway!