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How to Visit Atalaya Castle at Huntington Beach State Park in South Carolina

Tucked away inside Huntington Beach State Park is the gorgeous and accessible Atalaya Castle, an oceanfront mansion open for tours.

By Jason Barnette | Travel writer and photographer with 15+ years of road tripping experience

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Did you know there was an oceanfront castle at Huntington Beach State Park? Did you also know you can enjoy a self-guided tour of this castle? Last question: do you know how many times I have toured this castle?

Atalaya Castle at Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, remains one of my most surprising discoveries. It’s open to the public, absolutely amazing, and has an interesting history. Here is how to visit and what to expect when you arrive.

Huntington Beach State Park

Huntington Beach State Park has long been one of my favorite state parks in the country. The biggest reason for being included on that list is the abundant wildlife and bird watching opportunities. But the hiking trails, beach access, and Atalaya Castle are a few other reasons this park makes the list.

When you visit the state park be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore. Start at the gift shop that also serves as the park office and visitor center. That’s where you’ll find park brochures, supplies for your day at the park, and even book a campsite if you decide to stay.

The South Carolina Ultimate Outsider stamp is located inside the gift shop.

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A rainbow stretches across the ocean in front of a dark thunderstorm with a bright white lifeguard chair beneath at Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Chasing thunderstorms is one of my favorite things to do, especially when I’m reward with a rainbow like this at Huntington Beach State Park.

Winter Home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington

Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington were New Yorkers. Archer was an industrialist and Anna an artist. But Anna suffered from tuberculosis, forcing the couple to find a winter home in the South for her health.

Using local labor during the Great Depression the 200-foot by 200-foot Atalaya Castle, locally called just Atalaya, was built from 1931-1933. The Spanish Moorish architecture was the idea of Archer who apparently guided the construction of the mansion without any drawn plans.

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Self-Guided Walking Tour

Today visitors can enjoy a self-guided walking tour of Atalaya Castle. There is another fee of $2 in addition to the regular state park entrance fee. The money from admissions goes to a local non-profit group that helps to maintain the mansion.

There are twelve rooms inside the large square mansion to explore, including the master bedroom, kitchen, and Anna’s studio space. The large central courtyard features lush grass and towering palm trees. From just about any room in the mansion the sound of waves crashing on the beach echoes along the stone walls.

It takes about 30 minutes to leisurely explore Atalaya Castle. Most of the mansion is handicap accessible though there are a few steps here and there, but there is a way around the steps for wheelchairs.

National Park Week 2024

Learn about the annual celebration of the National Park System and read my travel guides to national park units across the country.

A large bedroom with four windows facing the forest at Atalaya Castle in Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Dusk with dark blue skies and lights from inside Atalaya Castle at Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Vines growing on the walls of Atalaya Castle at Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Palm trees and benches in the courtyard of Atalaya Castle at Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Inside and out, Atalaya Castle is a beautiful mansion to explore at Huntington Beach State Park.

Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival

Each year in September Atalaya Castle is the home of the Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival. Dozens of local artisans set up for the three-day festival in the courtyard and various rooms of the mansion.

Although there is an admission fee to walk around the festival, you’ll get the chance to tour Atalaya while also doing some window shopping (and maybe actual shopping).

The festival is held the last weekend of September each year which is also a pretty good time of year to visit the park.

2 Responses

    1. That’s NEAT! I didn’t know it was used as a wedding venue, but it makes sense. That would be an awesome place.

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Do you have a question about travel or road trips? Are you a CVB or DMO interested in working with me? I typically respond to emails within 24 hours. Quicker if you include a good riddle.
Do you have a question about travel or road trips? Are you a CVB or DMO interested in working with me? I typically respond to emails within 24 hours. Quicker if you include a good riddle.
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