Huntington Beach: Segway Wildlife Tour & Atalaya Castle Entry

Summary

Segway ride past alligators, turtles, and the echoes of Atalaya’s Moorish halls

You’ll roll through Huntington Beach State Park on a Segway with a local guide, spotting alligators along the lake and peeking in on loggerhead turtles at the Environmental Education Center. Afterward, wander Atalaya Castle’s echoing halls at your own pace. The mix of quiet wildlife moments and oddball history sticks with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We were already wobbling a bit on our Segways when our guide, Mark (local guy, knows every bird call), grinned and promised we’d get the hang of it before we left the parking lot. He was right — after a few awkward circles, I almost forgot I was rolling on two wheels instead of walking. The air in Huntington Beach State Park had that salty-muddy smell you only get near marshes. A heron flapped up from the reeds just as we set off, and someone behind me whispered “did you see that?” like it was some secret.

The causeway was alive — sun on the water, a couple of alligators stretched out like they owned the place. Mark pointed out a loggerhead turtle’s nest (he got this faraway look talking about how rare they’re getting). We stopped by the Environmental Education Center for a peek at some rescued turtles; I tried to snap a photo but got distracted by the way the light filtered through pine needles overhead. There’s something about gliding quietly past cypress trees that makes you pay attention to small things — like how Spanish moss moves in the breeze or the way your helmet strap itches if you don’t adjust it right.

I wasn’t expecting Atalaya to feel so strange — kind of grand but also weathered, with these archways that echo when you walk through them. You can wander around inside before or after the tour (we went after), and honestly, I could’ve spent an hour just tracing my fingers over the old brick walls. Archer Huntington’s story came up more than once; apparently he and Anna used to host artists here. Mark said there are still art workshops sometimes — I liked imagining that. We didn’t make it over to Brookgreen Gardens this time but heard it’s worth coming back for.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Segway tour and castle visit

• Join 2-hour guided Segway tour
• Explore Huntington Beach State Park
• See wildlife at Environmental Education Center
• Spot alligators and birds by freshwater lake
• Visit Atalaya castle independently

Top questions

How long is the guided Segway tour in Huntington Beach State Park?

The Segway tour lasts about 2 hours, including training time.

Is entry to Atalaya Castle included in the Segway tour?

You can visit Atalaya Castle before or after your tour for an extra fee paid directly to the park.

Will I see wildlife like alligators or turtles?

There’s a good chance! The freshwater lake is known for basking alligators and various birds; loggerhead turtles are often seen near the Environmental Education Center.

Is Segway training provided before starting?

Yes, brief training is included before heading out into Huntington Beach State Park.

Are photos taken during the tour?

Yes, your guide can take pictures or videos using your phone during stops along the route.

What should I bring for this day trip in Myrtle Beach?

You can bring phones, cameras, drinks—there’s a bag on each Segway for small items.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you need to arrive at Huntington Beach State Park 30 minutes early.

Do I have time to visit Brookgreen Gardens too?

The tour leaves enough time in your day if you want to visit Brookgreen Gardens separately afterward.

What’s included

Your day includes use of Segways and helmets with brief training beforehand, small-group guidance through Huntington Beach State Park with plenty of stops for photos (your guide will help with those), entry into the Environmental Education Center to see loggerhead turtles up close, plus time to explore Atalaya Castle before or after your ride. Entry fees to the park are separate and paid at arrival.