Huntington Beach State Park occupies 2,500 acres of pristine South Carolina coastline in Georgetown County, offering one of the best-preserved beaches on the Grand Strand. Unlike the developed shores of nearby Myrtle Beach, Huntington Beach feels refreshingly untouched — wide stretches of sand backed by maritime forest and salt marsh rather than high-rises.

The park is one of the premier birding destinations on the East Coast. The salt marsh boardwalk draws serious birders year-round, with over 300 species documented here, including painted buntings in summer and a variety of shorebirds and wading birds throughout the year. Alligators are a common sight in the freshwater lagoon near the park entrance.

Atalaya, the Moorish-style winter home of sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, sits within the park and is open for self-guided tours. The structure’s open-air courtyards and sculptural details make it worth an hour of exploration, and the annual Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival each September draws thousands.

The campground sits just steps from the beach, with 173 sites — including full hookup options — shaded by live oaks draped in Spanish moss. It books up months in advance for summer weekends, so plan accordingly.

Spring and fall deliver the best combination of mild weather, fewer crowds, and peak bird migration. Summer brings warm water and sea turtle nesting season. Winter is quiet but rewarding for solitude seekers and birders.

Pack binoculars, sunscreen, and a willingness to slow down. This park rewards those who do.

Explore Nearby

• Georgetown Light — Lighthouse in South Carolina
• Governor’s LightA — Lighthouse in South Carolina
• Francis Marion National Forest — National Forest in South Carolina
• Sumter National Forest — National Forest in South Carolina
• Green Swamp Byway — Scenic Byway in North Carolina