Huntington Beach State Park
Coast
Brenda Magers
Park Manager
I am Brenda Magers, manager of Huntington Beach State Park. Shortly after I graduated from college, the economy
was in shambles and most government agencies were embroiled in shutdowns. At the time, South Carolina was the
only state hiring park rangers and I was fortunate enough to land a job at Paris Mountain State Park. Even
though Paris Mountain was in the Upstate, I was so happy to be in a “coastal” state I would travel as often as
possible for day trips to the beach—where I am now lucky enough to live.
For me, the magic of Huntington Beach is in the saltmarsh. I love the long-range views, the seasonal changes and
of course, the birds! There is nothing more beautiful than the movement of a flock of birds or the upsweep of
kettling wood storks!
If you’re a first-time visitor to Huntington Beach, park at the end of the causeway and walk both sides to see
the marsh for yourself. Then, check out the three miles of undeveloped beach at the park. You can see all the
glam Huntington has to offer in a short amount of time—but don’t stop there. Come back and walk a trail,
attend a program, see Atalaya, visit the nature center and so much more!
**Our Ultimate Outsider stamp is located in the gift shop.
A sweeping Grand Strand beach, pristine and wide open, stands as one of the most recognizable South Carolina landmarks. Revel in sea-breeze camping, the finest surf fishing South Carolina has to offer and some of the top bird-watching on the East Coast. That’s not all Huntington Beach State Park has to offer.
There are also South Carolina landmarks such as Atalaya, the picturesque, Moorish-style winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, philanthropist and sculptor, respectively, who left the park and adjacent Brookgreen Gardens as their legacy.
Nature lovers also will enjoy the park’s wide variety of programming, including the chance to see loggerhead turtles and other endangered plant and animal species up close. The park’s freshwater lake is a sure-fire place to see alligators and sometimes even a mink or two.
Art lovers, meanwhile, flock by the thousands to the prestigious, juried Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival held each September in and around the former home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington.
BY THE NUMBERS
1
National Historic Landmark, Atalaya, the winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington
3
miles of pristine beach for swimming, running, fishing or just relaxing
173
campsites. 107 standard campsites with water and electric, 66 full-hookup sites with water, sewer and electric
6
rustic tent sites for tent camping only
3
picnic shelters available for group gatherings
300+
species of birds have been spotted within the park
1
popular annual arts and crafts festival, held every September for over 40 years in the Atalaya home
2500
acres located in Murrells Inlet for you to enjoy
