Family Photos at Huntington Beach State Park
If you are looking for Huntington Beach State Park family photos near Myrtle Beach, this is the location I recommend more than any other. I have photographed dozens of families here over the years, and it never gets old. The variety of settings, the quality of light, the sense of space and privacy, it is genuinely one of the most beautiful spots on the entire South Carolina coast for portraits.
This post is your complete guide to what a session at Huntington Beach State Park actually looks like, what I love about it as a photographer, and everything you need to know before you book.
Pasha Belman Photography is recognized among the top Myrtle Beach photographers along the Grand Strand, with over 15 years of experience capturing families, weddings, and seniors along the South Carolina coast.
Where Is Huntington Beach State Park?
Huntington Beach State Park is located in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, just about 25 minutes south of Myrtle Beach. The address is 16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. There is a small entry fee to get into the park, and parking is plentiful and easy even during busy seasons. It is far more relaxed than the main Myrtle Beach strip and attracts families who are looking for something a little quieter and more scenic.
Why I Love This Location for Family Portraits
Most beach locations offer one thing: sand and surf. Huntington Beach State Park gives us five or six completely different environments within a short walk of each other. That variety is what makes it so special for portrait sessions.
The Beach Itself
The beach at Huntington Beach State Park is wide, uncrowded, and exceptionally clean. The sand is soft and white, the waves are gentle, and because it sits inside a protected park, you rarely have to compete with umbrellas, chairs, or strangers walking through your frame. For families who want classic golden hour beach portraits, this stretch of coastline delivers every single time.
The Maritime Forest and Moss-Draped Oaks
This is what truly sets Huntington Beach apart from every other beach location in the area. Just steps from the shoreline, there are winding paths through a stunning maritime forest filled with ancient live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. The light that filters through those branches is soft, dimensional, and absolutely gorgeous for portraits. Extended families especially love this setting because it photographs beautifully no matter the size of the group.
Read our full guide to Family photos at Huntington Beach State Park
The Marsh Boardwalk
There is a peaceful boardwalk that stretches out over the salt marsh, and it is one of my favorite spots for portraits with smaller families or couples. The open sky reflects off the water, and the colors at golden hour — deep oranges, soft pinks, warm greens — create a backdrop that feels painterly and timeless.
Atalaya Castle
On the park grounds sits Atalaya, a stunning Moorish-style castle built in the 1930s as the winter home of philanthropists Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. For families who want a portrait with a truly unique and unexpected backdrop, shooting near the castle walls adds history and architecture that you simply cannot find anywhere else on the Grand Strand. It photographs beautifully and always surprises families who have never seen it before.
The Best Time of Day for Photos at Huntington Beach State Park
My strongest recommendation is golden hour, which runs roughly 45 to 60 minutes before sunset. The light at this time of day is warm, soft, and flattering for every skin tone and every age from toddlers to grandparents.
Sunrise sessions are also available for families who want fewer people in the park and a cooler, more peaceful experience. Summer sunrise sessions are popular with families who have young children who are at their best in the morning before the heat of the day sets in.
Midday sessions in summer are not ideal due to harsh overhead light and high temperatures, though fall and spring midday sessions can work well when the light is softer.
What to Wear for Your Session at Huntington Beach State Park
Because this location offers so many different settings, your outfit choices have more flexibility than a strictly beachy session. Soft, coordinated tones always photograph beautifully here. Think creams, sage greens, dusty blues, warm tans, and terracotta. These shades complement the natural tones of the moss, sand, and marsh without competing with the scenery.
Avoid large logos, neon colors, and busy patterns. They pull attention away from the faces and expressions that make your portraits truly special. If you are shooting in the fall, this is a wonderful time to incorporate richer colors like rust, burgundy, or olive since the park’s foliage shifts into warmer tones.
For a full guide to outfit planning, visit our complete guide on what to wear for family photos in Myrtle Beach.
Is Huntington Beach State Park Good for Large Family Groups?
Yes, and it is genuinely one of the best locations in the area for extended family sessions. The open beach gives us room to arrange large groups without feeling cramped, and the oak tree settings create a natural, layered backdrop that fills the frame beautifully even with 15 or 20 people. I have photographed families of all sizes here and the space accommodates everyone comfortably.
For large groups, I typically recommend booking a Full Experience session (60 minutes) so we have enough time to work through multiple locations within the park and capture both the full group and smaller family groupings within it. Learn more about our family photography packages and pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to pay to enter the park?
Yes, there is a per-person entry fee to enter Huntington Beach State Park. As of 2025, the standard adult fee is around $8 and children under 15 are free. These fees go directly to maintaining one of the most beautiful parks on the South Carolina coast — well worth it for the setting you get in return.
Where do we park?
There is a large parking area near the main beach entrance. I recommend arriving a few minutes early so we can begin shooting right at golden hour rather than spending that precious light walking from the car.
Is the park good for young children and toddlers?
Absolutely. The flat, easy walking paths and soft sand make it very manageable for little ones. I have photographed many sessions here with babies, toddlers, and kids of all ages. The casual outdoor setting helps young children relax and be themselves, which is exactly what creates the most natural and joyful portraits.
What time of year is best for photos at Huntington Beach State Park?
Every season has something beautiful to offer. Spring and fall are the most comfortable weather-wise. Summer sunsets are spectacular with rich golden light. Winter sessions on warm days have a quiet, serene quality that photographs beautifully. I am happy to talk through the best timing based on when you are visiting the Myrtle Beach area.
How is Huntington Beach different from other Myrtle Beach photo locations?
Most locations near Myrtle Beach offer one primary backdrop — typically open beach. Huntington Beach State Park gives us beach, maritime forest, marsh boardwalk, and even a historic castle, all within a short walk. That variety means we can move through completely different settings within a single session, giving your gallery a richness and depth you simply cannot get elsewhere. You can explore our other favorite spots in our guide to the best family photo locations in Myrtle Beach.
How do I book a family session at Huntington Beach State Park?
The easiest way to get started is through our contact page. Mention that you are interested in Huntington Beach State Park and your preferred dates, and we will get back to you quickly to check availability. Dates fill fast from May through September, so the earlier you reach out, the better.
Ready to Book Your Family Session?
If Huntington Beach State Park sounds like the right fit for your family, we would love to hear from you. Explore our family photography packages and pricing, or reach out through our contact page to check availability for your dates. We cannot wait to create something beautiful with your family.
