Both area state parks, with beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, are open at 6 a.m. every day of the year, for sunrises, great viewing of wildlife, and a slew of nature programs at each site, changing per season.

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Get out for a stroll, run, bike ride, or cruise and soak in that sea spray.

A fishing pier marks the middle of Myrtle State State Park, with a boardwalk extending north. Also, the nature center is full of special programs inside and out, for many months of the year.

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Huntington Beach State Park also has a nature center, overlooking an area of birdfeeders that painted buntings frequent. When driving the causeway into the park, notice the saltwater marsh on the right, and freshwater marsh on the left.

This park also is home to the former winter residence of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, the namesakes of the park and founders of Brookgreen Gardens, across Kings Highway.

• Myrtle Beach State Park, on U.S. 17 Business, one mile south of Ocean Boulevard/Farrow Parkway. 843-238-5325, 843-238-0874 (nature center) or www.myrtlebeachsp.com.
• Huntington Beach State Park, on U.S. 17 between Murrells Inlet and Litchfield Beach, across from Brookgreen Gardens. 843- 235-8755, 843-237-4440 (nature center) or www.huntingtonbeachsp.com.