Huntington Beach

Are dogs allowed at the park?

Huntington Beach State Park is a dog friendly park year-round. Please keep in mind that all dogs must remain on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. Please clean up after your pet. Dogs are allowed on the south end of the beach.  Dogs are prohibited in buildings, including Atalaya, and on the north end of the beach. The north end extends from the beach access at the north parking lot to the jetty.

Is wi-fi available at your park?

Complimentary wi-fi is available in our campground and at the park Visitor Center/gift shop. Please check at the Visitor Center for password information.

Do you have any bike trails in the park?

The park is connected to a bike trail called the Waccamaw Neck Bikeway. This flat paved trail parallels US 17 from Murrells Inlet to Sandy Island Road near Huntington Beach State Park. By using sections of completed trail and roads with Share the Road signs, you can ride or walk from Murrell’s Inlet to Pawley’s Island. The park does not offer bike rentals, however, there are local companies that provide this service.  For more information about this trail visit the Bike the Neck website.

What trails do you offer?

Hiking Trails: The 1-mile (one way) Sandpiper Pond Trail can be accessed from the north end parking lot.

Interpretive Trails: The 1/4-mile (one way) Kerrigan Trail can be accessed from the gift shop parking lot.

Boardwalks: Several boardwalks and overlooks extend out into the saltmarsh and freshwater lagoon for exceptional wildlife viewing.
 
Biking Trail:  The Waccamaw Neck Bikeway joins the park and provides 3 miles of paved bike trail within the park boundaries.  This flat paved trail parallels US 17 from Murrells Inlet to Sandy Island Road near Huntington Beach State Park. By using sections of completed trail and roads with Share the Road signs, you can ride or walk from Murrells Inlet to Pawleys Island.  For more information on this trail visit the Bike the Neck website.

What is “Atalaya” and how do you pronounce it?

Atalaya (pronounced Ah-ta-LIE-yuh) is the former winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. This National Historic Landmark is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m., daily (extended to 5 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time), except when closed for special events.

Atalaya may be rented for weddings and is a popular spot for photography. Audio tours and self-guided tours are available year round. Guided tours are available with dates and times listed on the program schedule. Atalaya admission - $2/person.

Are weddings allowed at Huntington Beach State Park?

Atalaya may be reserved for weddings after hours, year round. The cost varies throughout the year. The venue includes two courtyards, indoor and outdoor studios, stables, restrooms and park admission. Please contact the park for additional information. 

Beach weddings are permitted and involve a special use permit process. Please contact the park for additional information. 

What type of kayaking programs do you offer?

The Nature Center offers a weekly, naturalist led, salt marsh kayaking program (March – October). Preregistration and payment are required. Black River Outdoors Center, the concessionaire for this program, also offers a number of their own trips.  Please visit their website for more information.

We do not rent kayaks on the park.  If you bring your own, make sure to check out a tide table as some of the smaller creeks go dry at low tide. You may access the marsh approximately one mile north of the park at Oyster Landing. Kayaks are not allowed in interior water bodies including Mullet Pond, Mallard Pond or Sandpiper Pond.

What are the best places to view alligators and birds on the park?

The park has spectacular alligator and bird viewing opportunities that provide for great photography. Alligators can be found mainly on the freshwater side of the causeway as well as on the straight road which leads from the entrance of Atalaya to Hwy. 17. 

The best places to view birds on the park are on the marsh side of the causeway and off of Sand Piper Pond Nature Trail.

Does the park allow golf carts?

Golf carts are permitted as long as they adhere to the following:
1. Operated by someone with a valid drivers license
2. Restricted to roadways and daylight hours and must follow the laws concerning the use of any vehicle on state roads
3. Must be able to show proof of insurance to gift shop staff upon check-in

Is a fishing license needed?

Surf fishing and fishing from the jetty are popular pastimes for guests. Please keep in mind the jetty is a 1.2-mile walk (one way) on the beach. A South Carolina Salt Water Fishing License is also required.

Where is the park’s Ultimate Outsider stamp located?

Our Ultimate Outsider stamp is located in the gift shop.

Where can I find a list of state park rules and regulations?

You can find the South Carolina State Park rules and regulations, along with campground rules and regulations at this link.

For more general, statewide frequently asked questions, please click here.