On the Shores of Lake Powell Along the Gulf Coast
Wild Heron is conveniently located amidst popular centers for shopping, dining and cultural arts.
Lake Powell
Delight in the Pristine Beauty of This Magnificent Dune Lake
Located on the south and west shores of Wild Heron, Lake Powell is the largest coastal dune lake in North America and holds the coveted “Pristine Florida Waterway” designation. It's a perfect place to boat, fish, water ski, canoe, kayak, paddle board, bird watch, swim and more, creating resort-living vibes.
An extraordinary natural resource, this coastal dune lake features an exceedingly rare and precious freshwater ecosystem found in only a few locations worldwide. Although considered a freshwater lake, it intermittently exchanges water with the Gulf through a meandering outlet. The periodic opening and closing of that outflow is what makes coastal dune lakes so unique resulting in a mix of freshwater and saltwater aquatic life.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the shores and out on the water. You have excellent odds at spotting water birds like great blue herons, egrets and the spectacularly swooping osprey. You also may spot a river otter or even a dolphin breaking the surface here as well.
Speaking of Lake Powell fauna, anglers prize this mighty dune lake for its redfish, speckled trout, bass, mullet and other potential catches. It’s always a blast to be able to combine freshwater and saltwater angling in one body of water!
An ecological treasure and a hotspot for outdoor recreation and R&R, Lake Powell is a jewel of the Emerald Coast, no question!
The Emerald Coast Beaches
A Sugary White Sand Paradise
for Beach Lovers
We are perfectly situated between the legendary beaches of Panama City Beach and the iconic beaches of 30A. The prized Gulf Coast offers something for everyone from walks along the emerald waters edge to deep sea fishing in the salty sea.
Why is the sand so white? The Gulf Coast beaches are white because of quartz crystals washed down from the Appalachian Mountains centuries ago. These crystals are bleached, smoothed and polished over time producing the sugary white sands we enjoy today.
What makes the water emerald green? Our waters are teaming with healthy plankton which produce chlorophyll. The more plankton, the greener the water. Our waters are so clean we can see the chlorophyll clearly because of careful management and environmental conservation.
Local Parks
Timeless Beauty, Endless Exploration & Rich History Preserved for Generations
Lake Powell Park
Lake Powell Park offers convenient lake access for a day on the water with free parking, a boat launch, a sandy beach area and a picnic area. It is located directly across the lake from Wild Heron on the north side of Highway 98.
Camp Helen State Park
Part of the National Historic Register, this gem offers gorgeous beaches and excellent trails that wind through dunes and scrub oak forests.
Camp Helen State Park is bordered by water on three sides, and the unique combination makes it an ecological wonder. Lake Powell forms its eastern border, and at times, this freshwater lake will breach the small strip of land that separates it from the Gulf causing fresh and salt water to mix.
Enjoy birding, beachcombing, boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, picnicking, swimming and wildlife viewing. The visitor center hosts an interpretive exhibit, and you can also check-in with the state park for the schedule of ranger-led paddling trips, which include the highly recommended moonlight outings.
Frank Brown Park
Frank Brown Park is the largest park in Panama City Beach. It is home to the Panama City Beach Aquatic Park, ball fields, batting cages, basketball courts, tennis and pickleball courts, playgrounds, concession stands, picnic areas, pavilions, a freshwater youth fishing pond, dog parks, green spaces and a 20-acre festival site. Indoor and outdoor rental spaces are available and can accommodate events of all sizes and types.
Conservation Park
This park demonstrates the best of Panama City Beach’s effort to conserve and preserve the natural environment while providing residents and visitors with outdoor recreational opportunities! This park is perfect for hiking and biking.
With over 2,900 acres of uplands and wetlands, Conservation Park contains a variety of trails ranging anywhere from 0.6 miles to 11 miles. Rent the covered pavilion or pack a picnic. Tables and restrooms are available.
Gayle’s Trails
Take advantage of 30 miles of trails within Panama City Beach’s Conservation Park. To access a map of the trails, click here Gayle's Trails.
Aaron Bessant Park
Located within Pier Park, Aaron Bessant Park includes an outdoor amphitheater, soccer fields, walking trails, and scenic lakes. Additionally this park hosts many exciting events annually as well as the Summer Concert Series.
Shopping & Entertainment
Whatever adventure you're looking for, you can find it within a 35 mile radius of Wild Heron!
Sight-seeing
Visit the Sky Wheel, fly the beach in an ultralight, take an aerial tour from a helicopter, rent a bike and ride the 19 mile bike path on 30A or take a boat tour in the St. Andrews Bay, Grand Lagoon or the Gulf of America. There are plenty of ways to explore the area by land, sea and air!
Art & Culture
Visit the many art galleries and meet local artists. Try your hand at making glass art on canvas, or take a painting or pottery class through the Cultural Alliance Center.
Music
Enjoy the famous annual 30A Songwriters Festival and Gulf Coast Jam, or listen to live music at a variety of venues in the area.
Shop
Shop until you drop at the huge selection of popular stores in Pier Park, 30 Avenue, Destin Commons, the many boutiques dotted along 30A, the Silver Sands Premium Outlets in Miramar or the luxury brands at the Shoppes at Grand Boulevard in SanDestin.
Dining
Taste the gems of our local cuisine from exceptional casual eateries to award-winning fine dining. Chefs like Emeril Legasse, Tom Catheral, Tim Creehan and more have restaurants here and call this area home. If you enjoy cooking, check out our farmers markets filled with local artisan foods and products and don’t forget the many specialty shops in the area.
Airports
Live Here – Fly Anywhere
ECP – Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport – Panama City
With an international airport just 17 miles from our gates, you can travel on American Airlines, Delta, Southwest and United, with daily non-stop flights and make connections all over the world.
VPS – Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport – Eglin AFB
Need more airline options? Just under 50 miles from Wild Heron is VPS serving 6 airlines and more than 40 non-stop flights.
