Wilson Beach derives its name from a family who established cottages along this Gulf of Mexico shoreline ten miles south of Panacea, with historical photographs showing Wilson Beach cottages dating to circa 1900. The beach developed as part of Panacea's tourism boom in the early 20th century, when the community—founded in 1895 and named from the Latin word meaning 'cure-all'—attracted hundreds of visitors seeking the restorative powers of legendary mineral springs. At the turn of the twentieth century, Panacea flourished with hotels, restaurants, health spas, baths, boardwalks, piers, and pavilions serving health-seekers bathing in the mineral springs, until the Great Depression and a major 1928 hurricane devastated the local economy. Wilson Beach historically boasted 'the Finest Fishing Pier and Docks between New Orleans, La., and St. Petersburg, Fla.' World War II brought renewed prosperity due to proximity to defense industries, while the area's maritime traditions of boat-building, shrimping, crabbing, and fishing have sustained Wakulla County families for generations.
The beautiful uncrowded white sand beach offers swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, shelling, and surf fishing in the warm Gulf of Mexico waters. Visitors collect blue crabs along the shoreline and witness spectacular sunsets over the gulf's western horizon. The shallow coastal waters provide ideal conditions for families with children to wade and explore tidal zones. Nearby Bald Point State Park extends recreational opportunities into Apalachee Bay and Dickerson Bay with additional beach access, paddling, and boating facilities. The broader Panacea area serves as gateway to extensive Gulf Coast fishing and water recreation. The St. Teresa location provides a tranquil alternative to more developed Florida beaches, maintaining the Forgotten Coast's characteristic undeveloped character.
Trident Restaurant overlooks the bay in Panacea with a southern spin on comfortable fine dining. Angelo's Seafood Restaurant has served Gulf waters seafood straight to tables since 1945, located at 5 Mashes Sands Road. Seineyard at Rock Landing, family owned and operated, serves oysters on the half shell, fresh fried mullet, and other local seafood right on the water. Tropical Trader Shrimp Company operates both as a restaurant and full-service seafood market, utilizing their own fleet of boats on the Gulf to provide the freshest catches.
