If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through a seaside castle surrounded by palmettos and sea breeze, welcome to your fairytale. Tucked just off the beaten path in Huntington Beach State Park, Atalaya Castle isn’t your average historic stop—it’s a moody, mysterious retreat that feels like it was plucked straight out of Spain and dropped gently on South Carolina’s coast.
Built in the 1930s as a winter home by philanthropist Archer Huntington and his sculptor wife Anna, this labyrinthine structure is a love letter in stone and stucco. With its ironwork windows, sprawling courtyards, and open-air breezeways echoing with the hush of ocean wind, it’s one of those places that pulls you into the past without asking for much in return—just your curiosity.
What We Love
Maze-Like Architecture With a Secret Garden Feel
Get ready to explore 30 rooms connected by a series of archways, shaded walkways, and inner courtyards. It’s easy to feel like you’re part of a treasure hunt—one where every turn reveals a wrought iron detail, a palm-fringed passage, or the hush of distant waves.
The Artistic Vibe Is Everywhere
Anna Huntington’s presence lingers in the best way. You can almost see her sculpting in the airy studios with their sky-high windows. Though the statues are now elsewhere, her legacy is alive in the layout—the whole castle feels like one giant artist’s retreat.
Ocean Breezes Through Iron Bars
Unlike most historic homes, Atalaya is intentionally open to the elements. The cross-ventilation design means you’ll feel the salty wind on your face as you walk through, and sunlight streaks through barred windows, making every hallway feel cinematic.
The Tower That Tells a Tale
The 40-foot water tower might not seem like much at first glance, but it once housed a freshwater system for the entire estate. Today it looms like a sentinel over the castle—a photogenic relic from a self-sufficient era.
Seasonal Events Worth Timing Your Trip Around
If you’re lucky enough to visit during the annual Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival each fall, you’ll get the castle at its liveliest. Artists fill the rooms, live music bounces off the walls, and the whole place hums with creativity.
Facebook / South Carolina State Parks
Atmosphere & Setting
There’s a hushed magic to Atalaya Castle that’s hard to put into words. The pale pink walls are streaked with history, softened by sea air and shaded by palms and live oaks dripping with moss. The layout is rambling and raw—part Spanish fortress, part beachside sanctuary. You’ll hear the distant crash of waves, the chirp of birds, and sometimes, nothing at all. It’s quiet without being eerie, romantic without being flashy. A coastal escape from time.
Value (Is It Worth It?)
Absolutely. Admission is just a few dollars (or included with entry to Huntington Beach State Park), making it one of the most wallet-friendly experiences you’ll find in the area. Most visitors spend 45 minutes to an hour wandering, though architecture buffs and photography lovers might linger longer. It’s ideal for couples, solo travelers, history fans, and beach day trippers looking to mix a little culture into the sun and sand.
Other Considerations
There’s a paved path leading from the main parking area, and the castle is largely accessible, though the terrain can be a bit uneven in places. Bring water, wear comfy shoes, and check the weather—it’s all outdoors and has zero climate control. Bug spray in warmer months is a smart move. There’s no food on-site, but the state park’s picnic areas and beachside grills are nearby if you want to pack a lunch. Dogs are allowed on leash outside the structure, but not inside the rooms.
Atalaya Castle may not sparkle with chandeliers or come with a guided audio tour, but that’s part of the charm. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, feel the breeze, and imagine the love story that once filled its sunlit halls.
Atalaya Castle
📍 Atalaya Rd, Pawleys Island, SC 29576