Huntington Beach State Park

South Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

$8 adults

Hours

Open daily, 6 AM - 10 PM

About This Location

Huntington Beach State Park is a productive birding destination in South Carolina, with 340 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Gadwall, Bufflehead, and Hooded Merganser among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Bachman's Sparrow

Peucaea aestivalis

3/6/2026700–716 Arundel Ave, Georgetown US-SC 33.48515, -79.190852 observed

Reddish Egret

Egretta rufescens

3/5/2026Huntington Beach SP1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

3/5/2026Huntington Beach SP -- Sandpiper Pond Observation Deck & Nature Trail1 observed

Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

3/5/2026Huntington Beach SP--Mullet Pond1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

3/5/2026Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet US-SC 33.50973, -79.069061 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/4/2026Huntington Beach SP--North Beach/Jetty/Dunes Trail2 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/1/2026Huntington Beach SP3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Hooded Merganser

63/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

43/5/2026

Clapper Rail

23/5/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

13/5/2026

Willet

43/5/2026

Sanderling

23/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

23/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/5/2026

Red-throated Loon

13/5/2026

Little Blue Heron

23/5/2026

Brown Pelican

43/5/2026

Bald Eagle

13/5/2026

American Barn Owl

13/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

23/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

Blue-headed Vireo

23/5/2026

Brown Creeper

13/5/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

13/5/2026

Gray Catbird

23/5/2026

Eastern Bluebird

23/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

  4. 4

    Purchase your day pass online in advance to avoid wait times at the entrance station.

  5. 5

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Huntington Beach State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Huntington Beach State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Huntington Beach State Park?
Notable species at Huntington Beach State Park include Gadwall, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Greater Yellowlegs, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Horned Owl, Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Carolina Chickadee. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Huntington Beach State Park?
Birding at Huntington Beach State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Huntington Beach State Park?
The entrance fee at Huntington Beach State Park is $8 adults. Hours: Open daily, 6 AM - 10 PM.
What amenities are available at Huntington Beach State Park?
Huntington Beach State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.