You may be planning for a break in summer, or you want to spend a weekend with your family and friends, over the weekend. Whatever may be the reason, Florida is always preferred as a perfect getaway. You can enjoy some nice things to do in Sanford which favor your budget and time. When you choose Sanford, FL there are many things to do. From beaches and amusement parks to shopping and dining, this city has so much to offer. Many local favorites will keep you busy and ready to come back for more. Here is a list of 20 fun and exciting things you can do when you visit Sanford, FL.
20. Lower Wekiva River State Preserve
Located on the outskirts of Sanford, this is a scenic adventure that will take you through a lush river filled with mangrove forests. The peaceful surroundings and natural habitat will calm your senses. Take a hike on the trails that run along the riverbank or enjoy swimming in the springs. You can also have a picnic under pavilions available. It is a wildlife habitat that span over more than 20,000 acres.
The Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great place to go if you’re looking for an outing with the kids. There are over 500 animals that you can see, including elephants, gorillas, orangutans, and penguins. You can also walk through the butterfly garden or see some native reptiles. The area is surrounded by beautiful plants and trees. The professional tour guide will give you an in-depth look at the zoo, including animal feeding times and about the species.
18. Goldsboro Historical Museum
Come learn about the history of Sanford in a town that is a replica of an 1880s village. The Goldsboro Museum itself is an old school building that serves as the centerpiece of this town. Here you can see old school rooms, an old jail cell, and household items used during the 1920s. This is a great museum for those who are interested in history and artifacts. It has 43 different exhibits to see and offers many hands-on activities.
17. Deviant Wolfe Brewing, Sanford, Florida
Deviant Wolfe Brewing is a local brewery that serves up some great craft beers. One of their most popular ones is the Morning Wood, which is a maple imperial sweet stout with coffee. It is tucked away in downtown Sanford and has a great rustic, outdoorsy feel to it. Their beer is also available at most local bars in the area. If you like the taste of bacon, you’ll want to give their Back in Black a try. This is a black IPA with coffee and bacon flavors added in. There are plenty of other great beers to choose from on their large list of brews. The taproom is very casual and laid back – they even allow dogs to sit with you at the bar. Guests can make their order of brews and food from the restaurants and delivered them to your taproom.
16. Museum of Seminole County History, Sanford, Florida
The Museum of Seminole County History contains over 5,000 artifacts and objects that are related to Seminole County’s history. There are three main sections in the museum: the Homestead, Fort Gatlin, and Seminole County neighborhoods. Each section of the museum has a different timeline and there’s also a special room where the history of Sanford is talked about. There are other activities that you can partake in here as well. These include walking tours, lectures, and organized events throughout the year.
15. The Henry Shelton Sanford Memorial Chapel
The Henry Shelton Sanford Memorial Chapel is located in downtown Sanford, underneath the shade of tall oak trees. This beautiful Gothic-style chapel was built in memory of Henry Sanford and dedicated to his wife. If you’re interested in architecture, this is a great place to visit and it’s free! You will be able to see various religious murals and paintings on the walls and ceilings.
14. American Bronze Foundry and Fountain Design
The American Bronze Foundry and Fountain Design is a great place to admire beautiful handcrafted pieces of art, such as fountains and sculptures. This bronze foundry was founded in 1924 and has continued to be family-owned and operated since then. They provide products for many outdoor locations such as theme parks, government buildings, universities, museums, and private residences. The American Bronze Foundry has won many awards for their craftsmanship and they have an established relationship with many famous designers.
13. Old Historic Sanford
Old Historic Sanford is the perfect place to explore during the day or at night. This historic district has over 100 buildings that are well preserved and many of them are open to the public. Some of these buildings include the Rialto Theater and the U.S. Post Office and Customs House, which has free tours on Wednesday and Friday afternoons. On your walk along Main Street, make sure to stop in some of the shops and stores, which sell everything from antiques to handmade items. This is a great place to have some fun and also learn about Sanford’s past.
12. Spring Hammock Preserve, Sanford, Florida
Spanning over 4,000 acres of land which includes wetlands, cypress swamps, and upland forests. Spring Hammock Preserve is another great place for hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The trails are not too strenuous but are filled with all kinds of Florida plant life. You can also see a variety of wild animals, such as otters, raccoons, and alligators. Spring Hammock Preserve is a great place to go if you love nature and want a peaceful day outside.
11. Heritage Park, Florida
If you are from a small city or a rural area, this park will be a place to visit if you are spending a day in Sanford. Heritage Park is the site of the old steam engine that’s been restored and turned into a museum. Many plaques and pictures are showing its history along with a few models of the train. It’s perfect for those children who have an interest in trains. Other activities include picnicking, walking trails, and bicycling.
10. Red Hill Groves, Sanford, Florida
The Red Hill Groves is an orange grove on the banks of Lake Monroe. The peaceful place is perfect for bird watching and hiking along the many trails. You can also see a wonderful display of fruit trees and wildlife in their natural habitat. There is no entry fee and the groves are open 365 days a year with free admission. You can move around at your own pace, so bring a picnic lunch and sit down for a while.
9. Riverwalk in Downtown Sanford, Florida
Sanford has a lot of history to offer, and Riverwalk is the perfect way to see it. Throughout downtown are plaques telling you about significant individuals or events in Sanford history. If you purchase the Riverwalk guidebook, you can get a map and follow along as you read about how Sanford was founded and found itself in its current location. The Riverwalk is the perfect way to spend an afternoon, strolling through downtown and learning about Sanford’s past.
8. Fort Mellon Park, Sanford, Florida
Fort Mellon Park is a lovely place to visit as it has beautiful gardens and a nice size lake that you can walk around. It has a wide variety of wildlife that you can look at and photograph. There is also an arts center that hosts numerous events throughout the year such as art shows, concerts and theatrical performances. It is usually open from dawn till dusk every day of the week.
7. Jeanine Taylor Folk Art
Jeanine Taylor Folk Art runs a shop that features folk art and traditional American crafts. It has an eclectic mix of items that includes hats, toys, ceramics and so much more. There are many artists represented at this shop, some of which include painters, carvers and print makers. The prices range from inexpensive to very expensive depending on what it is that you are looking for. Many of the items feature bright colors and cute designs. There is a nice selection of items for the home and undecorated items that you can paint yourself.
6. The Corner Cafe
The Corner Cafe, located in downtown Sanford, is a great place to get an authentic Cuban sandwich. They are open for breakfast and lunch only and are closed on Sundays. The prices are very reasonable, but you have to get there before they sell out of delicious food. The setting is casual and is in the same building as a local pub. There are so many items to choose from on the menu, like empanadas, homemade cornbread and sandwiches. The prices range depending on what you order. If you get there early you can enjoy some of the best Cuban coffee in town.
5. The Original Christo’s
The Original Christo’s is one of the best places to get authentic New York style pizza. They are open for lunch and dinner, but be warned- they close at 9 pm so night owls should plan accordingly. Although people usually go for their yummy pizza, there are also lots of other great items available to order. The pasta dishes are very popular, but so are the salads. They also offer deserts like crème brulee cheesecake and tiramisu. The prices are very reasonable for the quality of food.
4. Delirium Band at Buster’s Bistro, Sanford, Florida
Delirium is an awesome band that plays reggae music at Buster’s Bistro. They always have great live music, so be sure to check out their schedule to see if they are playing on the night that you plan to attend. They always have a great crowd, so if you are looking for a place to have fun with friends, this is the right place. The atmosphere is very casual and laid back. There are great views of the stage from every seat, so you can watch the show no matter where you are sitting. You can also order food if you get hungry between sets.
3. Limo Cycle Tours, Sanford, Florida
Limo Cycle Tours lets you enjoy the true flavor of Sanford on a bicycle- surrounded by friends and family. You can rent out their limo decorated bikes for a reasonable price and make your self-guided tour. You’ll stop at several different bars along the way, including North End Pub, Sprit of 57 and Uptown Lounge. They provide you with a map for each location so that you can easily find your way around. You go at your own pace and please yourself with a large selection of drinks. It’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening in Sanford, FL.
2. The Mark Car Museum, Sanford, Florida
The Mark Car Museum has an impressive display of classic and antique cars. There are over 30 beautiful vehicles to look at while you walk through the museum, some of which date back to 1908. You can look at famous vehicles from history including those that belonged to celebrities. The place is extremely clean and tidy, with constant attention being paid to their appearances. Admission prices are very reasonable, and they have a small cafe for you to eat at while you catch your breath from looking at all the amazing cars. You can take pictures with the cars, but remember to ask first since some are very rare.
1. DeBary Hall and the 1877 Restaurant and Tavern, Sanford, Florida
The beautiful venue at DeBary Hall is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic night out. Few outdoor venues compare in terms of beauty and setting, especially since there is an impressive waterfall at the entrance. The 1877 Restaurant and Tavern is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, but they are closed on Mondays. There are many different delicious options to choose from. Be sure to stop by for their live entertainment events, which happen quite often.
Conclusion
Sanford has many great places to visit and these 20 are just some of the best. If you’re looking for adventure, there’s plenty to do here with a lake, a park, and a historic district. This city is filled with beautiful nature areas and many interesting pieces of art to see. There’s also something here for everyone, so no matter what you enjoy doing, Sanford is sure to have an activity that you’ll love!
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