Atalaya Castle

It was a nice place. Didn't realize it was extra $2 per person to tour, and we did get there 30 mins before close. Would recommend you give yourself more time. Both for your benefit of being able to read the information of each room and then maybe they wouldn't be as rude to you. We weren't the only family there that last little bit but they definitely didn't want us there.

I love this place. What talented and unique people the Huntingtons were. The beachfront home must have been so different than their northern properties. Even the servants quarters were comfortable. It's interesting to imagine what it must have been like with the large game animals there as models for here sculpture. I appreciate the low admission fee.

We took the self-guided tour of Atalaya at Huntington Beach State Park on April 24, 2025, and it was a truly memorable experience. The historic home, built as the winter residence and studio of sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington and her husband Archer Huntington, offers a unique look into art, architecture, and life on the South Carolina coast in the early 20th century. Atalaya’s Moorish-inspired architecture and central courtyard are impressive, and exploring at our own pace allowed us to take in the craftsmanship, design, and creative spirit that defined this special place. Built during the early 1930s, the structure also provided valuable work for local laborers during the Great Depression, adding to its cultural and historic significance. Today Atalaya stands as a National Historic Landmark and a highlight of Huntington Beach State Park. We highly recommend the self-guided tour to anyone visiting the park, it’s educational, peaceful, and a wonderful way to connect with history and art in a beautiful setting.