Huntington Beach State Park is worth the drive south from Myrtle Beach if you want more nature than the central resort strip can offer. The park combines Atlantic beach, wetlands, wildlife and one of the area’s most unusual historic buildings.
Come for the birds and coast
The mix of habitats makes the park particularly popular with birdwatchers, but you do not need specialist knowledge to enjoy it. Walk slowly, watch the water and pay attention to how different the landscape feels from developed Myrtle Beach.
The beach itself is another major reason to visit and can feel considerably less urban than the shoreline around the main resorts.
See Atalaya
Atalaya, the former winter home associated with Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, adds an unexpected architectural stop. Its distinctive design makes it unlike the conventional historic homes you may encounter elsewhere in South Carolina.
The nearby Brookgreen Gardens can make the same area a full-day excursion if you have enough time.
Park fees, building access and opening arrangements should be checked before travelling.
I would recommend Huntington Beach State Park to anyone staying in Myrtle Beach for more than a couple of days. It broadens the trip from a beach-resort vacation into a better introduction to the natural Lowcountry coast.
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