South Carolina's most pristine beach — 3 miles of undeveloped Atlantic coastline
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.
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.
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.
View Launch Sites →Many of these spots are accessible by kayak. Rent one and see Murrells Inlet the way locals do.
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