Huntington Beach State Park

It is time to continue our look at SC state parks. Today I will tell you about Huntington Beach State Park. My husband and I have camped there a few times and visited several other times.

The park used to belong to Archer and Anna Huntington and consists of 2500 acres. It was leased to the state as a state park in 1960.

There is a Nature Center that has natural history displays and live animals. There is also a saltwater touch tank. The park also features 3 miles of beach, a jetty, hiking trails, picnic shelters boardwalks, a gift shop, and a campground.

The campground has 170 campsites (104 sites with water and electric, 66 sites with water, electric, and sewer, and 6 tent sites)

There are more than 300 species of birds that can be seen in the park so many birders enjoy visiting here.

The Huntington’s built their winter home, Atalaya Castle during the Great Depression and is able to withstand hurricanes. Anna Huntington was a famous sculptor and her sculptures are located in Brookgreen Gardens which is near the park. In 1984 Atalaya was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also designated a National Historic Landmark. Friends of Huntington Beach State Park offer tours of the castle but you can also do a self-guided tour.

Every September there is an arts festival held at Atalaya.