Huntington Beach State Park

About 30 minutes south of Ocean Lakes, Huntington Beach State Park is one of the best-kept secrets on the South Carolina coast. The beach here is wide, uncrowded, and backed by maritime forest — a completely different feel from the main strip.

The park sits between two ecosystems: ocean beach on one side and a freshwater lagoon on the other. That lagoon is home to alligators, herons, egrets, and more bird species than almost anywhere else on the East Coast. Bring binoculars. The birding trail around the lagoon is an easy walk and worth every minute.

Atalaya Castle, the winter home of sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, sits inside the park and is open for self-guided tours. It's a fascinating stop — a Moorish-style fortress built in the 1930s, right on the beach.

Admission is charged per vehicle. The park has restrooms, outdoor showers, and a picnic area. It gets busy on summer weekends, so arrive early or go on a weekday morning for the best experience.