Huntington Beach State Park

This 2500 acre state park sits on the Atlantic ocean and offers non spoiled beaches, great fishing, and spectacular bird watching as well as a comfortable campground. In fact, those that know prefer this campground over the larger one in Myrtle Beach.

Of historical interest is Atalaya, a home built during the Great Depression with a unique architectural style based on Moorish temples the owner had seen on the Spanish coast.

Admissions:
$5 per adult; $3.25 per SC Senior; $3 per youth age 6-15; Free for children 5 and younger.

Days & Hours of Operation: Sat-Thurs 6 AM - 6 PM; Fri 6 AM - 8 PM (hours are extended to 10 PM daily during Daylight Savings Time) Atalaya Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM

Atalaya

Archer Huntington, the stepson of a railroad businessman, built Atalaya during the Great Depression and to his credit he only used local labor. Huntington also made sure that the locals of Georgetown County were trained in valuable skills that they could use after the completion of Atalaya.

The name Atalaya means watchtower in Spanish. The tower of Atalaya was used to assist in creating water pressure and as a roost for insect eating bats. This very interesting home is worth your time. At first it appears to be an old fort or prison but after closer inspection the visitor is surprised to find that it was a residence.

Photos by Rhonda Thompson