a river running through a lush green field

Huntington Beach State Park

South Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
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

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

6/3/2026Rocky Point Community Forest5 observed

Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

6/3/2026Rocky Point Community Forest1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

6/2/20269641 S-22-52, Georgetown US-SC 33.55059, -79.213161 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose (Greenland)

Anser albifrons

6/2/20269641 Plantersville Rd, Georgetown US-SC 33.55067, -79.213051 observed

Limpkin

Aramus guarauna

5/29/2026108 Belmonte Drive, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, US (33.645, -79.058)3 observed

Magnificent Frigatebird

Fregata magnificens

5/21/2026Litchfield Beach1 observed

Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

5/21/2026Backyard 4295 Vanderbilt Blvd, Pawleys Island US-SC 33.39721, -79.153345 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

36/3/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/3/2026

Killdeer

26/3/2026

Least Tern

66/3/2026

Royal Tern

26/3/2026

Wood Stork

26/3/2026

Anhinga

66/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

36/3/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

56/3/2026

Little Blue Heron

56/3/2026

Tricolored Heron

46/3/2026

Snowy Egret

56/3/2026

Great Egret

56/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

36/3/2026

Black Vulture

16/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/3/2026

Osprey

26/3/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/3/2026

Blue Jay

16/3/2026

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.