Huntington Beach State Park - Murrells Inlet, SC
Huntington Beach State Park — Dog-Friendly Coastal Escape in Murrells Inlet, SC
If you’re searching for an exceptional dog park in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, Huntington Beach State Park stands out as a remarkable destination for you and your canine companion. This pet-friendly state park offers pristine, uncrowded beaches, easy hiking trails, and a blend of marshes, forest, and open dunes—perfect for dogs that love to explore natural coastal landscapes. The park’s abundant wildlife, including birds and turtles, as well as famous local landmarks like Atalaya Castle, provide a unique backdrop for every dog walk or adventure.
Dog owners will appreciate the park’s clean facilities, including accessible restrooms, shaded picnic shelters, and scenic walking trails. There’s plenty of open space for leashed walks, and the entire park welcomes dogs (on-leash). For families, there are also well-kept playgrounds, barbecue grills, and picnic tables, making it easy to enjoy an all-day outing. Huntington Beach State Park is not only a kids- and pet-friendly spot but also offers wheelchair accessible entrances and parking. While there isn’t a dedicated fenced dog play area or off-leash zone, it’s an unbeatable spot for pet-friendly hikes and peaceful beach days with your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs are welcome throughout the park, but they must be kept on-leash.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there is not a designated fenced dog park area.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs must remain on-leash while visiting Huntington Beach State Park.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, there are clean and accessible public restrooms throughout the park.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, there are wheelchair accessible entrances and parking areas, and newly built cement walkways.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, there is a well-maintained playground and kid-friendly activities near the beach.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? Yes, there is a per-person entrance fee; fees vary based on age.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, there are picnic tables and barbecue grills available for public use.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park features well-kept pet-friendly hiking trails through a variety of natural habitats.
- Is parking available? Yes, there is parking available, but some spaces may be reserved for special events at times.
Reviews
🌿 5 stars — A Hidden Gem Full of Soul and Sky
Huntington Beach State Park is an absolute treasure. From moody skies rolling over pristine white sands to unexpected finds like a “shell tree” offering silent wishes in the dunes — every turn feels like nature telling a story.
The beach is stunning and never too crowded, with soft sand and miles of quiet. Even on a stormy day, it’s hauntingly beautiful — the kind of place that makes you pause and breathe.
I especially loved the preserved Atalaya Castle — the turquoise window bars and palm shadows gave it a dreamy, almost surreal vibe.
Trails are well-kept, wildlife is abundant (I spotted a waterbird drying its wings by the marsh like it was striking a pose), and the blend of beach, forest, and art history is unlike anywhere else.
Bring water, take your time, and let this place work its quiet magic. It’s more than a park — it’s a soulful slice of coastal Carolina.
Very natural, clean, dog friendly, you cam see a lot different kind of birds and also alligator. The fee to enter the park is NULL per person not per car and varies on your age. We only visit the north end of the park. It such a beautiful beach. I saw a few of fisherman but it is not crowded.
The state park has some great tidal marshes where alligators enjoy the high tide. There are dozens of species of birds to see. Turtles and lizards are prevalent too. Of course this is all just on the way to the beach, which is one of SCs better, cleaner, less crowded beaches. We had a marvellous afternoon
Beautiful park! The beach access was a short walk from the parking lot and perfect to catch some waves. The restrooms were very clean and large enough to get changed in. The boys enjoyed the playground by the beach and then we walked over to the Atalaya house. So pretty and a very neat experience. We then headed over to the marsh area and got to see several gators! Worth the trip.
A great beach experience. They really cover all the needs of beach day. Outside showers for feet and for the body. They made a nice new cement walkway leading from the park area out to the sand (replaced the older wooden walkway). It’s always been easy to find a spot that is not a far walk from the pathway. The waves are usually gentle enough that it’s safe for small children to enjoy the shallow surf area. The bathrooms are the best beach bathrooms I’ve ever seen, very useful for kids who need to go to the bathroom at any time. Playground is well kept and fairly new. The ice cream place by the playground, Spoonbills, was shockingly well priced (I fully expected 2x what it was just for the “premium” of being on the beach) and very delicious. Several shelters are present near the playground and useful if a storm rolls by to have some shelter. Our only con experience is that a few times the parking lot is half or mostly reserved for special events/site rentals regardless of how many people are actually attending an event. Leading to half the lot being packed and half being fairly empty.