About: Huntington Beach State Park on the coast has an Atlantic beach and wetlands inhabited by sea turtles, alligators and rich birdlife. The Sandpiper Pond Nature Trail has a viewing deck on a pond that attracts egrets and herons. The Kerrigan Nature Trail includes a boardwalk over a lagoon. Atalaya, a vast 1930s Moorish-style castle, was the home of the Huntingtons, who once owned the land.
It hosts many types of ducks and waders like roseate spoonbills in winter in both fresh and saltwater marshes. It has a jetty where oceanbirds like gannets, loons, scoters and occasionally aldics like razorbills and murres can be found. The large tree swallow (tachycineta bicolor) flocks here.
The Nature 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 building sits beside the salt marsh, north of the causeway entry road at Huntington Beach State Park and the park's marsh boardwalk.
Hours: Open daily from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm during winter and 6:00 am to 10:00 pm in the summer. There is an entry fee of $5 for adults. To call park office, 843-237-4440.
Link: https://southcarolinaparks.com/huntington-beach
