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Huntington Beach State Park: A Beautiful Part of the Grand Strand

Myrtle Beach visitors have a tendency to stick to the more well-known areas of the beach for their beach-going activities. However, the Grand Strand features two state parks, including Huntington Beach State Park, which is sure to take you off the beaten path. 

Take a short drive down Hwy. 17 Bypass to Murrells Inlet. You will see a sign directing you to the left where the park entrance is. There is a fee to get into the park however, it is well worth it. Entrance fees are $5 per adult, $3.25 for South Carolina seniors, $3 for children ages 6 to 15 years old and free for children 5 and under. If you plan to come to the park a few times throughout the year, you may want to look into purchasing the Statewide Park Passport, which is $75, and will allow you unlimited entry to Huntington Beach State Park, Myrtle Beach State Park, as well as countless other state parks.

As you drive past the entry station, you will soon drive over the causeway. You cannot park your car on the causeway itself, but you will want to pull over in the parking lot on the left, which is just a little ways past it.

There is a sidewalk along each side of the causeway. As you are walking from your car to the causeway, check out the left side for the best view of gators, or head out on the viewing boardwalk on this side to get a closer look at the fresh-water lagoon. From here, you may see multiple gators laying in the sun, swimming or stalking their prey. Large birds also perch along the shore, hunting for their next meal. You may even be lucky enough to see a pair of bald eagles!

On the right-hand side of the causeway is the salt marsh side, where more birds flock to the marsh which rises and falls with the tide. Bring your binoculars for an even better view of these beautiful birds and stop at the Education Center for a birding check-list.

After viewing the wildlife at the causeway, continue on to the park where you will find picnic shelters, picnic tables, the park store and the gift shop. Once you are near the ocean you will also see one of the most popular parts of the park, Atalaya.

Atalaya, which looks like an old castle, used to be the residence of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. A National Historic Landmark, it is open for park guests to tour for a small extra fee of $1 each. Be sure to explore this unique structure at least once during your visit to the park.

Near Atalaya, you will also see a trail entrance to the quarter-mile Kerrigan Trail, which will lead you through the peaceful woods to another look-out to view the fresh-water lagoon. Another trail, the Sandpiper Pond Trail, is great for those who want to take a longer hike.
After you have finished exploring the park, head over to the gorgeous beach which lies along the edge of the park. Often less crowded and with access to bathrooms, this beach is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring.

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