Huntington Beach State Park
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Huntington Beach State Park is a small coastal preserve and state park near Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, with a large sandy beach and few beachgoers. The park, originally property of Archer M. Huntington, was donated after his death and takes its name from him. His winter home, Atalaya Castle, is also located on the park. Built during the Great Depression by only local workers, it was designed to withstand hurricanes. The Friends of Huntington Beach State Park offer scheduled tours of the house and operate the Atalaya Visitor Center with exhibits about the house and the Huntingtons.
The park features several species of birds of the southeast coast of the United Statesfor for bird watching. It hosts many types of ducks and waders in winter in both fresh and saltwater marshes. It has a jetty where oceanbirds like gannets, loons, scoters and occasionally alcids like razorbills and murres can be found. Local birders frequently refer to the park as "HBSP" in communications.
[edit] Nature Center
The Education Center features natural history displays and live animals, including a saltwater touch tank and a live baby alligator among its exhibits. Park naturalists offer free programs about the park's wildlife and habitat. The center is open Tuesday through Sunday year-round, and is located at the marsh boardwalk.
Other park features includes the beach, jetty, campground, trails and gift shop.
[edit] External links
- Huntington Beach State Park - South Carolina State Parks
- Huntington Beach State Park Website
- Details on Atalaya Castle
- Friends of Huntington Beach State Park
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