Sanford is a city in central Florida with an estimated population of around 60,000 people. It’s situated on the shores of Lake Monroe and is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Orlando. Being a lakeside town, you can imagine plenty of people visit Sanford to enjoy Mother Nature. There’s a lakefront walking trail where you can take in the tranquility of Lake Monroe. Downtown Sanford is a popular area for its marina, restaurants, and shops to enjoy; no wonder many Airbnb vacation rentals have opened in this area. The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is also a popular site to visit. Culture lovers can explore Sanford Museum or Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center. If you’ll be visiting Sanford, we’ve put together a list with plenty of attractions to discover. So keep reading and check out the options of things to do in Sanford, Florida.
1. Enjoy kayaking on Wekiva River (from USD 100.0)
If you like to spend your time outdoors, a Wekiva River kayak tour might be a perfect activity for you. This kayaking tour lasts four hours, and your guide will share information on the wildlife and ecosystem surrounding the river. As you paddle down the river’s 16 miles (26 km), you’ll have the chance to view animals native to Florida, including manatees and alligators. But don’t worry, your guide will give you all the safety instructions needed at the beginning. A picnic lunch is included, and at the end of the day, you’ll be dropped back off at your car.
Wekiva River Guided Kayak Tour
Duration: 4 hours
2. Take a tranquil sunset stroll along the Sanford Riverwalk
The Sanford Riverwalk is a trail which follows Lake Monroe’s shoreline. It provides you with beautiful views across the water, and it is particularly special at sunset as the colours reflect on the water. The trail even connects you with plenty of sites in Sanford, including Wayside Park, City Hall, and downtown Sanford. Once you’ve taken in the sunset from the trail, we recommend heading for a drink downtown.
Sanford Riverwalk
Address: E Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771, USA
Website: Sanford Riverwalk
3. Enjoy a performance at Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center
Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, formerly the Ritz Theater, has been around since 1923. Today it’s on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, and functions as a community theatre. On its stage, which has been restored to look as it did originally, you’ll find cover bands, showings of movies, and even Broadway shows. Their calendar is constantly changing, so do visit their website and check their events page to see what will be gracing its stage during your visit.
Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center
Address: 201 Magnolia Ave, Sanford, FL 32771, USA
Website: Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center
Opening hours: Showtimes vary
Price: Varies by performance
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4. Snack on Cajun peanuts by MelloStevesPnut
If you’re craving a snack during your visit to Sanford, why not try MelloStevesPnuts? They’re the first urban peanut farm in central Florida, and they serve up Cajun jumbo boiled peanuts. The peanuts are boiled in a broth flavoured with smoked meats, and when you’re enjoying this southern snack, you can rest easy knowing all ingredients are made on the peanut farm or sourced locally. It’s a great way to taste unique food while supporting a local business.
MelloStevesPnut
Address: 108 Sanford Village Way, Sanford, FL 32771, United States
Website: MelloStevesPnut
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 2pm - 7pm; Fri: 2pm - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Thu & Sun)
5. Buy local jams and jellies at the Historic Sanford Welcome Center
The Historic Sanford Welcome Center serves as a welcome and information centre to visitors, providing information on the arts, culture, and recreation found in Sanford. In addition to finding information about the city and details on upcoming events in the area, visitors to the Welcome Center can explore the gift shop. There, you’ll find a wide range of locally made items, including jams and jellies. It’s a great way to pick up a gift for a loved one or come away with something that reminds you of your trip.
Historic Sanford Welcome Center
Address: 230 E 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771, USA
Website: Historic Sanford Welcome Center
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
6. Eat your way through Sanford with Sanford Food Tours
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
So much of our culture lives in our food! Book a food tour to see what amazing food Sanford has! We know food and drinks! #foodie #letseat #greatfood
Posted by Sanford Food Tours on Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Calling all foodies! Sanford Food Tours provides an excellent way to sample the culinary scene in the city. On the tour, you’ll walk through downtown Sanford with a guide who will explain the city’s history. There are a few different tours to choose from, including the Around the World Tour which will have you visiting a German restaurant and sampling Spanish tapas, and the Brews and Bites Tour, which takes you to four breweries. You can even book a private tour to make it an extra-special evening.
Sanford Food Tours
Address: 303 W 3rd St, Sanford, FL 32771, USA
Website: Sanford Food Tours
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
7. Explore the Sanford Residential Historic District
If you’re a lover of history and architecture, then a visit to the Sanford Residential Historic District will be right up your alley. The district has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1989, and contain more than 400 buildings. These include many historic houses, Sanford Grammar School and Old Fernald-Laughton Memorial Hospital. Touring this historic district is a great way to enjoy some fresh air while admiring this city’s history.
Sanford Residential Historic District
Address: The district is bounded by Sanford Avenue, 14th Street, Elm Avenue, and 3rd Street.
8. Appreciate kitschy folk art at Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery
The Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery has been in Sanford since 1997. Jeanine Taylor is a Florida native, and her aim in opening the gallery was to showcase southern contemporary folk art and preserve the state’s creative culture. The gallery is located in downtown Sanford, and it offers exhibitions and special events throughout the year. There’s an area where items are available to purchase (jewellery, ceramics, and paintings among the options), and you may even catch one of the artists hanging around, so do stop and chat.
Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery
Address: 211 E 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771, USA
Website: Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
9. Cool off at the splash pad in Fort Mellon Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If it’s a nice day out and you’re thinking of what to do in Sanford, FL, why not head to Fort Mellon Park? The park sits on the shores of Lake Monroe, providing you with beautiful views during your visit. There are trails to walk, a basketball and tennis court, and BBQs for grilling up a meal. And one of the park’s highlights is the splash pad, where you can enjoy the fountains of water shooting up. It’s a great way to cool off if it’s hot out.
Fort Mellon Park
Address: 600 E 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771, USA
Website: Fort Mellon Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Attend Alive After 5, Florida's largest monthly street party
On the second Thursday of every month, Sanford residents flock to Alive After 5, a street party located downtown. Admission is free, and it’s one of the regular Sanford activities that involve the local community for a celebration. There’s live music, plenty of food, and craft beers. And local businesses are open too, so you can pop into galleries, antique shops, and gift stores. The event happens rain or shine, but they do take a break in July and August. If you’re interested in seeing how the community of Sanford comes together, this is a great way to experience it.
Alive After 5
Address: Historic Downtown Sanford
Website: Alive After 5
Opening hours: 5pm - 8pm (second Thu of each month)
11. Meet local artists at the monthly Sanford Art Walk
The Sanford Welcome Center hosts the Sanford Art Walk, an art show which happens on the third Saturday of each month in downtown Sanford. The Sanford Welcome Center hosts a juried art show this month, but other galleries participate as well, including the Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery and Gallery on First. Of course, live music and food are available as well. The artists participating vary each month, and it’s a great way to get to know more about the art scene in Sanford. And if you plan on taking a unique piece of art home with you, art pieces are available to purchase on that day.
Sanford Art Walk
Address: 230 E 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771, USA
Website: Sanford Art Walk
Opening hours: 6pm - 9pm (third Sat of each month)
12. Take a luxurious dinner cruise on Rivership Barbara Lee
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Good afternoon Friends!!! The celebration of our independence is this weekend... We have several cruises scheduled this...
Posted by St Johns Rivership Company, LLC on Wednesday, June 29, 2016
The Barbara-Lee cruise is a great way to experience the landscape of central Florida while enjoying a meal. You’ll depart from Lake Monroe and travel down St. Johns River. Take in the wildlife as you cruise along the water. You’ll get to enjoy a meal and live entertainment along the way. Reviewers will find the trip relaxing and love the views and food.
Rivership Barbara Lee
Address: 433 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771, USA
Website: Rivership Barbara Lee
Opening hours: Varies
Price: Varies
13. Fish for trophy bass on the banks of Lake Monroe
If you’re the outdoorsy type, you may be interested in throwing out a fishing line during your time in Sanford. There are tours you can go on offering fishing on Lake Monroe or St. Johns River. The river offers a wide variety of fish to be caught, including bass which it’s known for. The banks of Lake Monroe also offer up bass as well as crappies. Whatever type of fish you’re after, you can choose from a 4, 6, 8, or 12-hour tour. The boat is fully equipped, and the tour guides will lead you to the best areas of the water. Anyone over the age of 16 will need a fishing license, and you’re advised to bring food and beverages with you.
Sanford Fishing Trips
Address: Lake Monroe and St. Johns River, Sanford, Florida
Website: Sanford Fishing Trips
Opening hours: Varies
Price: Varies
14. Enjoy a hearty meal at Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe
When you’re hungry, stop by Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe, a German restaurant. They’ve been around since 2001, and they aim to provide their guests with an authentic and memorable experience. The restaurant offers classic German dishes like schnitzel and wurst, and of course, they have an excellent drink selection. They even have entire vegetarian and gluten-free menus. They also have live music, so prepare to polka during your visit.
Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe
Address: 205 E 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771, USA
Website: Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm
15. Make your own classic cocktail at Bitters & Brass
For something that’s both fun and educational, you can learn to make your own cocktails at Bitters and Brass. The bar, which opened in 2017 and is located in downtown Sanford, offers themed classes like gin or whiskey cocktail, as well as custom classes. You’ll learn each step of making the cocktail, from picking the right ingredients to selecting the right garnish to complement the drink. You’ll even learn the history behind the drink.
Bitters & Brass
Address: 410 Sanford Ave, Sanford, FL 32771, USA
Website: Bitters & Brass
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 5pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 1am (closed on Sun & Mon)
16. Check out local history at Sanford Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
“I am new to the Sanford Museum so there are still so many items I am not familiar with yet but, so far, I have most...
Posted by Sanford Museum on Sunday, August 21, 2022
If you like to learn about the history of the places you visit, Sanford Museum is the perfect place to go. The museum opened in 1957, and it has expanded a couple of times since. The museum contains a collection of the family which founded Sanford, the Sanford family, including paintings and personal objects. Items relating to the town’s history are also on display, including city planning, railroads, and local celebrities. The museum is free to visit, and tours are available if you call two weeks in advance.
Sanford Museum
Address: 520 E 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771, USA
Website: Sanford Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11am - 4pm; Sat: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: Free
17. Hike the trails of Black Bear Wilderness Area
The Black Bear Wilderness Area is the perfect place to go if you like to get out and about in nature. There are two trails which you can explore. There is a 7-mile (11.2-km) loop around St. Johns River, with boardwalks over wet areas. If you’re an experienced hiker, there is a remote trail, but the proper gear is highly recommended as the terrain is rough. The park will bring you through a variety of wetland habitats, so do keep your eye out for wildlife. You may see white-tailed deer, river otters, and of course, black bears. It’s a great way to get some exercise in and enjoy the natural beauty of central Florida.
Black Bear Wilderness Area
Address: 5301 Michigan Ave, Sanford, FL 32771, USA
Website: Black Bear Wilderness Area
Opening hours: Dawn to dusk (daily)
18. Play soccer or tennis in Sylvan Lake Park
Sylvan Lake Park sits on Sylvan Lake and offers plenty of activities. You can walk or jog along trails or head to the fishing pier and see if you catch anything. There’s a scenic picnic area next to the lake, and lots of areas for sports, including racquetball and volleyball. There are also areas to play soccer and tennis. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon when the weather’s nice.
Sylvan Lake Park
Address: 845 Lake Markham Rd, Sanford, FL 32771, USA
Website: Sylvan Lake Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 8pm
19. Visit the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens offers fun for both children and adults. There are plenty of animals to see, including black bears, otters, and of course alligators. Reptile lovers can visit the herbarium, and if butterflies are more your style, you can keep your eye out for them in the gardens. You can even chat with a zookeeper and learn more about a particular animal. If it’s a hot day, be sure to bring your swimsuit as the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground is available for cooling off in. And of course, there’s a restaurant when you’re hungry.
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens Admission Ticket
Start planning your trip to Sanford
Truly, there are many fun things to do in Sanford, Florida. From outdoor activities like the Sanford Riverwalk Trail and the Black Bear Wilderness Area to cultural spots like Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery and the Sanford Museum, there’s plenty to explore. So make a list of your favourite spots and start planning your trip to Sanford, Florida.
If you plan to extend the trip to a nearby city, you can stay at one of the top vacation rentals in Downtown Orlando.
Frequently asked questions about the top things to do in Sanford, Florida
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