An afternoon view across the expansive
salt marsh at Huntington Beach State Park in the fall.
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.
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.
External links
Wikis
Map
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