The Castle You Didn't Know Existed On S.C.'s Coast Is A Historic Hidden Gem

Did you know you can visit the beach and tour a castle on the same afternoon?

Mar 27, 2025

Past Lane Pursuits is a weekly newsletter of Past Lane Travels, a history/travel blog that provides inspiration for discovering historical sites, hidden gems and small towns.

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Atalaya Castle is an architectural marvel

If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through a seaside castle without leaving the U.S., South Carolina has a surprise for you! Nestled within Huntington Beach State Park is Atalaya Castle — a romantic, Moorish-style mansion built during the Great Depression that feels like it’s been plucked from old-world Spain.

See a quick tour of Atalaya Castle here.

Atalaya (pronounced Ah-tuh-LIE-yuh) was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1992, primarily as it was the home and working studio of a famous sculptor and secondarily because of its Moorish-influenced architecture.

Why visit?

Aside from stepping into history, visitors can explore the rooms where Anna sculpted her famous works and even see the bear pens where she kept live animal models! The castle sits just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean. Wandering through its arched passageways with the sound of the surf nearby is pure magic.

What’s nearby:

Brookgreen Gardens: Just across the highway, this sprawling sculpture garden and wildlife preserve was the Huntington’s gift to the public — one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever walk through.
Huntington Beach State Park: Whether you’re a bird-watcher, camper, or just want to stroll along the pristine beach, this park has it all.
Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk: Known as the "Seafood Capital of South Carolina," enjoy fresh local cuisine and live music on the boardwalk.
Georgetown, SC: One of my favorite towns! A charming historic port town filled with museums, shops, and waterfront dining.
Pro Tip: Visit in early fall or late spring when the weather is perfect, and crowds are thin. And if you can, time your trip for the annual Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival each September! (On my bucket list)!

Until next time, keep exploring the past... one road trip at a time.

– Jessica

☛ Old Words

Here is this week’s old word!

Word: Flummox
Origin: Mid-19th century, possibly dialectal English

Meaning: To bewilder, confuse, or perplex someone completely.

The sudden British retreat flummoxed the townspeople, who had braced for a battle that never came.

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History Trivia

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia Quiz: Congratulations to those who answered Fort Fisher as the last major fort to fall to Union forces during the Civil War.