Huntington Beach State Park

White sand beach
GX82+56 Murrells Inlet, SC, USA
72 miles from Charleston, SC
Cleanliness
Water quality
Crowded
Impressions
Overall
Grades suggested by our reviewer
Water Quality
Unknown (read more)

Beach amenities

  • Pet friendlyBring your little friends!
  • WCPublic restrooms nearby
  • ParkingCar parking nearby
  • Changing roomsDressing rooms on the beach
  • ShowerPublic showers available
  • Public grillsGrills or fire pits
  • Picnic tablesPicnic benches available
👉 Download a FREE PDF map

About this beach

Warnings and hazards

Beware of alligators.

Although geographically very close to downtown Myrtle Beach, Huntington Beach State Park is a whole world away from the hustle and bustle of the busy northern beaches. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities including camping, hiking, fishing, touring Atalaya, but the main reason to go there is to enjoy the tranquility of the scenic and relatively uncrowded seashore.

Location and Access

Huntington Beach State Park is located at 16148 Ocean Highway, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, which is about midway between Myrtle Beach and Georgetown, i. e. less than 20 miles from either of them.

The park has a daily fee of $5 for adults and $3 for children (6–15). Children under 5 can enter for free. Admission to Atalaya is $2 (ages 6 and older). The park hours are from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. for Daylight Saving Time and from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the other months.

Camping

There are more than 100 tent/RV camping sites with water and electricity at the park’s campground. Campers also get access to hot showers and bathrooms. The prices start from $17 per night.

Beach

Huntington Beach State Park has a wide sandy beach that stretches for more than 3 miles along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline. You will see no hotels or condos, the beach is very serene.

There is the main access point from the central parking lot and several minor access points from the campground, along the trails, and at the end of the northern park road. Note that most of the beach is relatively remote.

The sand is white, hard-packed, super smooth, and well-kept. There aren’t many shells. The water is clear. There are lifeguarded swimming areas in high season. However, when lifeguards aren’t there, swimming is at your own risk.

Amenities

If you need to use a bathroom, change into your swimsuit, or take a shower, go to the central parking lot – there is a large building with numerous amenities there. You can also find restrooms and shower stations at some other locations. If you want to have a picnic, there are abundant picnic areas with tables and grills.

Fishing

While staying away from busy swimming areas, you can leisurely fish from the surf along the park’s beach.

Hiking and Wildlife

Huntington Beach State Park has a number of trails for various needs. There are longer trails for hiking and shorter for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. You’ll get a chance to see alligators and some of the plentiful bird species that inhabit the park.

Dog Policies

Pets are allowed on a six-foot leash only. If your pet is noisy or harassing wildlife and other people, you may be asked to leave.

Driving Time

  • 1 hour 40 minutes from Charleston, SC
  • 1 hour 55 minutes from Wilmington, NC
  • 3 hours 40 minutes from Charlotte, NC

Hotels and rentals

If you're considering staying for one or even a few nights, there are plenty of options available near the beach. Chose your preferred accomodation type and your favourite room provider:

Beaches nearby

Additionally, there's a number of beaches near Huntington Beach State Park which you can visit:

Beach reviewed by:
Phil R.
Photos from Google Maps
People on the beachHistoric site in Huntington Beach State ParkForestWooden boardwalk in Huntington Beach State Park
Show rooms near this beach×

Huntington Beach State Park videos

Huntington Beach State Park
An admirable drone made video of the beach and of the marshes
Huntington Beach State Park Campground SC
A wonderful video of the beach

Weather conditions

Current weather at the beach and 3 day forecast

Best times to visit

Average temperature (°F)
Beach map and directions
The beach is located in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina GX82+56 Murrells Inlet, SC, USA (Open on Google Maps)
Drag and zoom the map to view lodging options near the beach.
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Huntington Beach State Park reviews and photos
Reviewed on: July 11, 2020