Huntington Beach State Park
Murrells Inlet, SC
Huntington Beach State Park sits across the highway from Brookgreen Gardens near Murrells Inlet, three miles of undeveloped beach backed by dunes, maritime forest, and a salt marsh that draws serious birders. Atalaya, the Spanish-style winter home of the sculptor who founded Brookgreen, sits right behind the dunes at the park's center.
Three undeveloped miles next to Brookgreen Gardens and real birding make this one of the best state park beaches on the coast, though the entrance fee and dog restrictions on the north end are worth knowing before a visit.
How we score beachesThe causeway leading into the park is one of the best alligator-spotting spots on the whole Grand Strand. Slow down and look into the marsh on either side before you even reach the sand.
The park entrance fee is $8 per adult, with a large lot near the day-use area and Atalaya. It fills on summer weekends but rarely on a weekday.
A paved path and boardwalk lead from the main lot to the beach, flat enough for strollers. The sand itself is soft once you're past the boardwalk.
Leashed dogs (6-foot leash max) are allowed on the south end of the beach year-round, but are banned from the north end and from all buildings, including Atalaya.
Water reaches the low 80s by August, during the same hurricane season, June through November, that shapes the whole Grand Strand. Spring and fall bring the best birdwatching, when migrating species stop over in the park's marsh.
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