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18 Greatest Issues to Do in Sanford, FL (2025)

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Are you searching for enjoyable issues to do in Sanford, FL? We now have simply what you’re searching for.

Photo of Sanford Mosaic Building

Situated within the North Central Florida space (Seminole County), Sanford is called the “Historic Waterfront Gateway Metropolis.”

This is because of being on the southern shore of Lake Monroe and on the head of the St. Johns River.

Celery Farm in Sanford vintage postcard.
Supply: Genuine Florida Assortment

Sanford was as soon as one of many largest vegetable delivery facilities in the USA.

It acquired the nickname “Celery Metropolis” due to the massive quantity of celery farming on the town.

Old building in downtown Sanford.

From its downtown space, with quite a few retailers, galleries, theaters, and eating places, to an abundance of nature and wildlife, together with an awesome zoo, you’ll at all times discover memorable issues to do in Sanford.

Best Things To Do In Sanford, FL.
Flamingo art at Gallery on First.

The Gallery on First in Sanford, Florida, is a superb place to go to for these searching for artwork that’s distinctive and totally different.

Art at Gallery on First in Sanford.

Situated in historic downtown Sanford, the Gallery on First affords a wide array of artwork, starting from work to sculptures and every thing in between.

Folk art at Gallery on First in Sanford.

The artwork gallery additionally options occasions similar to portray courses, themed events, and group outreach applications.

Items in a sculpture.

Visiting the Gallery on First is a good way to expertise Sanford’s tradition and contribute to its inventive heritage.

Folk art at Gallery on First in Sanford.

The Gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to five pm. They’re additionally obtainable on Mondays by appointment.

Each third Saturday of the month, from 6 pm -9 pm, they maintain an Open Studio at Gallery on First.

Gallery on First Handle: 211 East First Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771 

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Entrance.

The Sanford Zoo started in 1923 when a touring circus gave the native Elks Membership a rhesus monkey.

Sanford Zoo fire department courtesy of Sanford Museum.

Shortly after, extra animals had been added to the gathering and housed on the Sanford Fireplace Division. These animals included a bulldog, skunk, opossum, raccoon, and squirrel.

Monkey Island at Municipal Zoo in Sanford vintage postcard.
Supply: Genuine Florida Assortment

Within the Nineteen Forties, the zoo relocated to downtown, with spider monkeys on Monkey Island being a preferred draw.

The Sanford Metropolis Corridor is the location the place the zoo was.

Welcome to the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens sign.

The zoo ultimately outgrew its house downtown, and a few devoted residents, together with Seminole County’s donation of 106 acres of land.

It moved to the world you possibly can nonetheless discover it at present — simply 3.6 miles down the road on Lake Monroe.

Jack Hanna

On July 4, 1975, the Central Florida Zoological Park formally opened with Jack Hanna as its Director.

Young Jack Hanna and his family from the 1970s.
Supply: JackHanna.com

Jack Hanna and his spouse Suzi moved the household to Florida whereas Jack labored on the Central Florida Zoo from 1973 to 1975.

In 1975, Jack needed to take a break from the animal world due to an sickness within the household.

NOTE: Sadly, Jack Hanna has Alzheimer’s illness. His household opened up about their expertise to assist others learn to talk with a cherished one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. A fantastic useful resource is the Alzheimer’s Association.

The Animals

PJ the Rhino at the Central Florida Zoo.
PJ The Rhino – Supply: Central Florida Zoo

Right now, the zoo has grown to accommodate over 350 animals (100 totally different species), together with PJ the Rhino, giraffes, monkeys, zebras, alligators, Florida black bears, and rather more.

Little Florida Coast Line Practice

Little Florida Coast Line Train at Central Florida Zoo

Along with seeing the animals, guests can experience a quarter-scale G-16 miniature prepare in-built 1951 modeled after the Florida East Coast “Champion” streamliner.

Different Zoo Actions

Map of the Central Florida Zoo.

There’s additionally an attractive botanical backyard, an aerial zip-line journey course, a splash zone, and a Youngsters’s Zoo.

Additionally they home the Southeast’s largest assortment of venomous snakes and non-venomous reptiles.

Mold A Matic wax figure machine at Central Florida Zoo.

Maintain your eyes open for just a few Mould-A-Ramas, these nostalgic merchandising machines that make injection molded plastic collectible figurines. (They’ve come a great distance because the Nineteen Sixties).

Two swan lanterns at the Central Florida Zoo Asian Lantern Festival.

Additionally they maintain particular occasions all year long, such because the Asian Lantern Festival.

Verify the occasions web page on their website for what’s occurring on the Zoo.

The Central Florida Zoo is open day by day from 9 am to 4 pm. It’s closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Handle: 3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771

Riverboat on the water - St John's Rivership Co.
Photograph Credit score: St Johns Rivership Firm on Fb

For a soothing day or evening on the water away from the hustle and bustle of all of it, look no additional than the St. Johns Rivership Firm.

Household-owned and operated, this firm affords a unique solution to expertise Florida wildlife and the fantastic thing about the Central Florida space.

St John's Rivership Company.
Supply: St John’s Rivership Firm

The Rivership Barbara-Lee is the one genuine sternwheeler crusing the St. Johns River. Measuring 105 toes from stem to stern, the ship was in-built 1986.

It was extensively refurbished earlier than its inaugural St. Johns cruise in 2012.

View of nature from St Johns Rivership.
Supply: St. Johns Rivership on Fb

The cruises depart nearly day by day from Historic Downtown Sanford on Lake Monroe.

If you wish to exit on an evening just like the Fourth of July, make your reservations early.

Prime rib on the St Johns Rivership.
Supply: St. Johns Rivership

As if a shocking river cruise isn’t sufficient, all of the cruises additionally embrace your selection of a scrumptious chef-prepared meal, stay leisure, a stocked bar, and extra.

St. Johns Rivership Company.
Supply: St Johns Rivership

St. Johns Rivership Supply Six Totally different Cruises

  • River Go to Luncheon Cruise – Wednesdays from 11 am – 2 pm, $71 per individual
  • River Escape Luncheon Cruise – Thursdays from 11 am – 3 pm, $85 per individual
Drinks from the St. Johns Rivership.
Supply: St. Johns Rivership
  • Rockin’ on the River Cruise (have to be 21) – 1st Friday of each month from 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm, $25 per individual
  • Saturday Luncheon Cruise – Saturdays from 11 am – 2 pm, $71 per individual
  • Dinner Dance Cruise – Saturdays from 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm, $85 per individual
  • Sunday Luncheon Cruise – Sundays from 12 pm – 3 pm, $71 per individual

Remember to arrive a half hour earlier than the departure time. A reservation is required and might be made by calling: 321.441.3030.

NOTE: You may also e-book the cruise ship for personal occasions.

St. Johns Rivership Handle: 433 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771

Sanford Museum

Sanford Museum.
Supply: Sanford Museum

The Sanford Museum first opened to the general public in 1957. Initially, it was The Henry Shelton Sanford Memorial Library and Museum.

Sanford Museum exterior.
Supply: Sanford Museum

Because of its recognition, the constructing expanded as soon as in 1974 and once more in 1993.

Sanford Museum.
Supply: Sanford Museum

This museum is devoted to preserving and connecting folks to the wealthy historical past of Sanford.

One assortment on the museum is the Sanford Household Connection, which incorporates the library and papers of Henry S. Sanford, the town’s founder.

Henry S. Sanford photo from Library of Congress.

Henry S. Sanford established Sanford as a Transportation hub in 1870. He’s thought-about a founding father of the Florida Citrus Business. 

Sanford Museum.
Supply: Sanford Museum

You may also view European and American work, furnishings, private objects, and books from 1820 – 1890.

Sanford Florida on the beautiful St Johns River vintage postcard.

The Chase Gallery is one other giant gallery on the museum. This exhibit focuses on the native historical past of Sanford.

This consists of metropolis plans, railroads, riverboats, agriculture, training, native celebrities, the Naval Air Station, and extra.

Red Barber quote about baseball.

Among the native celebrities embrace sportscaster Pink Barber, Baseball stars Tim Raines and David Eckstein, skilled footballers Jeff Blake, Reggie Department, UCF/NFL star Gabe Davis, and Drew “Bundini” Brown, Muhammed Ali’s cornerman.

The Sanford Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to five pm.

Study extra on the Sanford Museum website.

Sanford Museum Handle: 520 E 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771

Hollerbach’s German Restaurant

Macaronie and cheese and a salad on a plate.
Supply: Hollerbach’s German Restaurant Fb

An extremely well-liked restaurant in downtown Sanford is Hollerbach’s. It’s recognized for its genuine German meals and music.

Domestically owned and operated by the Hollerbach household, this restaurant has been serving and entertaining the patrons of Sanford and their loyal followers from afar since 2001.

Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe.

After they opened, there have been solely seven workers. They’ve expanded all through the years to the delight of all by including a German deli, market, and a fancy dress/clothes/accent store.

The household believes that probably the most important factor is Gemütlichkeit, which implies creating a singular and memorable expertise for the company.

Hollerbach German Restaurant interior in Sanford Florida.

The household has helped make Sanford a eating and leisure vacation spot that stands out within the Central Florida space. That’s fairly an accomplishment.

Restaurant hours are Sunday via Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm.

German musicians at Hollerbach Willow Tree Tavern.
Supply: Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe

We extremely suggest going when stay leisure is occurring. They usually have exhibits each Friday from 7 pm – 10 pm, Saturday from 1 pm – 4 pm and seven pm – 10 pm, and Sunday from 6 pm – 9 pm.

Additionally they host Meat Bingo each Tuesday evening. Proceeds go to a unique native charity every week.

To study extra, go to Hollerbach’s website.

Hollerbach’s Handle: 201-205 E 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771

Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park taken by Florida's Natural Wonders.
Supply: Decrease Wekiva River Protect State Park

If you wish to spend time outdoor and expertise pure Florida, take a look at the Lower Wekiva River State Park.

Florida river otter.

The realm was first inhabited by Native Individuals hundreds of years in the past. They appreciated the wildlife within the space, similar to river otters, black bears, alligators, wooden storks, and sandhill cranes.

Even at present, you might even see the identical wildlife roaming round and native Florida vegetation.

These are different actions obtainable on the park:

  • Bicycling
  • Fishing
  • Paddling
  • Birding
  • Geo-In search of
  • Strolling and Working
  • Tenting
  • Equestrian
  • Climbing
  • Wildlife Viewing

There’s a $3 payment per car. Pets are allowed however have to be on a leash.

Decrease Wekiva River State Protect Park is open from 8 am to sundown, three hundred and sixty five days a yr.

Decrease Wekiva River Protect State Park Handle: 262 Wekiva Park Drive, Sanford, FL 32771

Pink Hill Groves

Red Hill Groves Farm Store.
Supply: Pink Hill Groves on Fb

Since 1962, the unique family-owned grove has been traditionally important for being the primary grove for a lot of of Florida’s citrus pioneers.

Whereas the grove ultimately moved from Conway to Sanford, you possibly can nonetheless buy numerous produce, together with citrus, recent greens, U-Decide strawberries, blueberries, and recent herbs.

Red Hill Groves.
Supply: Pink Hill Groves Fb

Cease by their farm retailer for a scrumptious meal. A number of Genuine Florida readers have beneficial the Child Again Ribs, Orange Ice Cream, and Recent-Squeezed Orange Juice … we agree.

Red Hill Groves Oranges.
Supply: Pink Hill Groves Fb

A full menu from Pink Hill Groves is out there on their web site.

In case you’re not within the Sanford space, don’t fear. It’s possible you’ll buy recent produce on Pink Hill Groves web site.

The Farm Retailer & BBQ Restaurant is open Tuesday via Friday from 10 am to five:30 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. It’s closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Pink Hill Groves Handle: 218 Ronald Reagan Blvd. Sanford, FL 32773

Attend a Pageant or Occasion

Sanford Art and Jazz Night.

All year long, Sanford hosts a slew of nice occasions similar to:

  • Love Your Shorts Movie Pageant
  • Mardi Gras Avenue Social gathering
  • Sanford Porchfest
  • Pints n’ Paws Craft Beer Pageant
  • Hollerbach’s Springfest
  • Brews Across the Zoo
  • St. Johns River Pageant of the Arts
  • Star Spangled Sanford

To remain up to date on occasions in Sanford, FL, go to the Historic Downtown Sanford website.

Downtown Sanford Marina

Marina in Sanford on Lake Monroe.

The 310-mile St. Johns River is the longest in Florida and one of many most secure. It’s additionally some of the accessible gateways from the Atlantic Ocean.

The stretch from Sanford to Mayport is pleasant. In case you personal a ship, the Downtown Sanford Marina affords moist slips, dry storage, safety gates, wifi, ethanol-free gasoline, and extra.

To study extra, go to the Downtown Sanford Marina website.

Well-known Tiny Houseboat Rental

Famous Tiny Houseboat rental on Lake Monroe
Supply: Well-known Tiny Houseboat

The Well-known Tiny Houseboat in Sanford, Florida, often known as ‘Downtown Dharma’, is positioned on the Monroe Harbour Marina in Historic Downtown Sanford.

This unique Airbnb accommodation grew to become well-known after being featured on HGTV’s “Tiny Home Hunters” TV present. It was featured in its 4th season (Episode 12).

Famous Tiny Houseboat Rental interior
Supply: Well-known Tiny Houseboat

The five hundred+ sq. toes houseboat’s presence within the marina provides a singular contact to the native panorama, mixing the standard attraction of Sanford with fashionable, revolutionary dwelling areas

Click on right here to book the Famous Tiny Houseboat.

Sanford Riverwalk

Things to Do in Sanford include Lake Monroe.

The Sanford Riverwalk is a 4.5-mile multi-use path with scenic water views alongside Lake Monroe. It’s an awesome place to stroll, run or bike.

They’ve benches and coated swings in case you desire to take it simple and have a look at the boats or learn a e-book. There’s additionally a pleasant playground for the youngsters and a picnic space.

Nice information. There are many free, long-term parking choices all through Historic Downtown Sanford.

Henry’s Depot Meals Corridor & Bar

Henry’s Depot is the historic website of Florida’s first railroad system by Henry B. Plant. The depot has change into an open-air market with meals distributors and retailers.

It’s anchored by an outdated Florida-themed bar referred to as The Basin. They’ve a lot of stay leisure and family-friendly occasions all year long.

See the hours for every vendor on the official Henry’s Depot website.

Henry’s Depot Handle: 212 W 1st St, Sanford, FL

The Ritz Theater at Wayne Densch Performing Arts Middle

In July 1923, the Milane Theater in Sanford opened. They confirmed a mix of performs and flicks that had been well-attended.

In 1933, Frank and Stella Evans bought the property and renamed it The Ritz Theater in 1936. Regardless of struggling to draw folks, the household held on to it and ultimately closed in 1978.

Helen Stairs Theater.
Supply: Sanford Historical past

It reopened in Could 2000 because the Helen Stairs Theater since Ms. Stairs spearheaded the restoration efforts.

Then in 2008, it grew to become the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Middle since they funded further renovations and upgrades.

Starting in 2015, after including a Ritz signal to the entrance of the constructing and plenty of different renovations, it was rebranded because the Ritz Theater at Wayne Densch Performing Arts Middle.

Ever since, it has change into a premiere vacation spot for performances of all types (ballet, Illusionists and magicians, particular occasions, and basic films).

Try the occasions on their website calendar.

Ritz Theater at Wayne Densch Performing Arts Middle Handle: 201 Magnolia Ave, Sanford, FL 32771

Celery Metropolis Craft Brewery

Celery City Craft Brewery in Sanford.
Supply: Celery Metropolis Craft Brewery on Fb

Celery Metropolis Craft Brewery celebrates the roots of Sanford. They function distinctive craft beers, wines, and cocktails.

Celery City Craft outdoor makeover.

They just lately revamped their out of doors space, so now is a superb time to test it out for the primary time or go to once more.

Sushi and Seoul at Celery City Craft.
Supply:
Sushi and Seoul on Fb

Sushi & Seoul at Celery Metropolis Craft has been a wonderful addition to Historic Downtown Sanford, Florida. They provide a colourful choice of high quality sushi dishes and impressed road meals gadgets.

Celery Metropolis Craft Brewery is open Monday to Wednesday from 11 am to 12 am, Thursday via Saturday from 11 am to 2 am.

Celery Metropolis Craft Brewery Handle: 114 S Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771

Historic Downtown Sanford Excursions & Experiences

Historic Sanford brick sign.

Sanford Excursions & Experiences is the perfect supply for distinctive and curated experiences in and round Historic Downtown Sanford, Florida.

My Girl movie poster filmed in Sanford.

These excursions embrace:

  • Sanford Historical past & Film Excursions
  • Craft Beer & Historical past Tour
  • Sanford Ghost Excursions
  • Golf Cart Leases
Sanford Bike Tour.
Supply: Historic Downtown Sanford
  • Bike Leases
  • Bike Journey & Bike Toura
  • Seminole Aerial Adventures
  • Sanford Occasions & Getaway Bundle
  • Florida’s Emancipation Day Celebration

Go to the official Historic Downtown Sanford website to e-book a tour on-line.

Free Trolly Service from SunRail and Amtrak

Free Trolly Service from Downtown Sanford, SunRail and Amtrak.
Supply: Historic Downtown Sanford

The Metropolis of Sanford’s Neighborhood Redevelopment Company (CRA) gives a free downtown trolley service.

The Sanford trolley additionally gives transportation between the Sanford SunRail station (weekdays), Amtrak Auto Practice (Monday via Saturday), and downtown Sanford.

Obtain the Sanford Trolley app for extra info.

Meriwether Farms & Citrus Fruit

Meriwether Farms Citrus Farm sign
Supply: Meriwether Farms Citrus Farm

Meriwether Farms & Citrus Grove, positioned in Sanford, Florida, is a family-owned and operated farm and citrus grove established round 1915.

Meriwether Farms citrus for sale
Supply: Meriwether Farms

This farm is famend for its roadside stand the place it sells quite a lot of fresh-picked citrus fruits. It’s NOT a u-pick farm.

The farm operates seasonally, usually from November-December to April-Could annually.

It’s positioned at 3471 Celery Ave, Sanford, FL 32771.

Lommerse Honey and Crops

Annuals for sale at Lommerse in Sanford

Lommerse Honey and Crops represents a multifaceted agricultural enterprise in Sanford by the identical household from Meriweather Farms & Citrus Grove.

Lommerse Honey for Sale

The household owned enterprise gives each high-quality honey merchandise and a variety of vegetation, together with edible fruit crops.

Lommerse Plants for Sale in Sanford

Farmer Rob has been famous to coach guests concerning the manufacturing of edible fruit crops like peaches and avocados. He additionally shares insights on propagation methods generally utilized in fruit rising.

Lommerce Honey and Crops is positioned at 535 Upsala Rd, Sanford, FL 32771.

Are you searching for different enjoyable issues to do on this basic space? Try:

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