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Huntington Beach State Park
South Carolina’s most pristine beach — 3 miles of undeveloped Atlantic coastline
- Beach
- State Park
- Wildlife
- Birding
- Swimming
- Camping
About
Consistently rated one of the top beaches on the East Coast, Huntington Beach State Park sits just south of Murrells Inlet and offers 3 miles of wide, uncrowded Atlantic beach backed by pristine maritime forest and freshwater lagoons. The park is also one of the best birding sites in the Southeast — over 300 species have been recorded here. The freshwater lagoon on the north end is a kayaker’s paradise, with alligators, wading birds, and an osprey nest visible from the water. Atalaya Castle, the winter home of sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, sits at the park entrance and is open for tours.
Key takeaways
- The park covers 2,500 acres, leased to South Carolina for state park use in 1960.
- Atalaya, the Moorish-style residence inside the park, was built during the Great Depression as the winter home of sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington and her husband Archer Huntington — the same couple who founded neighboring Brookgreen Gardens.
- Expect strong birdwatching: wading birds, ducks, and other coastal species are regularly seen in the park’s marsh and lagoon habitats.
- Alligators are present in the park’s freshwater and brackish areas — keep a respectful distance, as with any marsh paddle.
- Best paddled on a rising tide for consistent water depth — see our full kayak route guide.
Local Insider Tip
The freshwater lagoon inside the park is open to non-motorized boats. Bring your own kayak or rent one nearby and paddle the lagoon at dawn — you'll have it to yourself and the wildlife. The beach on the south end near the campground is the least crowded.
Kayak Access
The park's freshwater lagoon is paddleable with your own kayak. Enter from the main park road. Saltwater access via the beach — launch from the south end at low tide.
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Huntington Beach State Park FAQs
Can I kayak right up to Atalaya Castle?
Atalaya sits inland from the immediate marsh paddling routes; you can see it from parts of the park, but there’s no dedicated water route to the building — pair a paddle with a walk to the castle itself.
Are alligators a real concern in this park?
They’re present in the park’s freshwater and brackish habitats, and sightings do happen, but attacks are rare and alligators generally avoid people. Keep a respectful distance and don’t feed wildlife.
Do I need a park entry fee to launch a kayak here?
State park entry fees typically apply to the park itself; confirm the current fee and launch-access policy directly with Huntington Beach State Park before your trip, since fee structures can change.
Is this a good spot for beginners?
Yes, in the sheltered marsh and lagoon areas — treat it the same as any other Murrells Inlet marsh paddle and time your trip around the tide.
Details
- 4123 Business 17, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- (843) 651-3990
- Daily: 11:30am – 10pm
- $$ — Moderate
Explore by Water
Many of these spots are accessible by kayak. Rent one and see Murrells Inlet the way locals do.
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