Looking for the best and fun things to do in Sanford, FL?
Sanford is loacated in th central region of Florida, it is known to be the county seat of the Seminole County. Population here was recorded to be 61,051 as of the census of 2020.
Sanford is a stunning city that is relatively rich in history and culture; the city is filled with lots of amazing attractions.
There are many things to explore, starting from the historical museums, parks, restaurants, breweries, art galleries, natural preserves, theaters, and many others.
Are you planning an exploration of Sanford, here are the top things to do in Sanford, Florida.
Things to Do in Sanford, FL
1. Historic Sanford Welcome Center
Historic Sanford Welcome Center
Historic Sanford Welcome Center is a community center where you meet and interact with other tourists and locals.
At the community center, you get to learn more about the history, cultures, and a whole lot of information about the city of Sanford.
The locals you meet here show the level of hospitality and kindness installed in people’s lives.
Historic Sanford Welcome Center provides updated information about the latest festivals and events in the area.
The center serves as a gift shop that displays unique items you can’t get elsewhere, starting from informative guidebooks, brochures, booklets, antiques, and many others.
Historic Sanford Welcome Center staff is friendly and welcoming, always ready to answer your questions, coupled with the neat and well-organized environment and clean washroom.
Address:230 E 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771, United States
2. Wayne Dench Performing Arts Center
One of the top things to do in Sanford is visiting Wayne Dench Performing Arts Center for an exciting experience.
Wayne Dench Performing Arts Center was established in 1923; it is a state-of-art community arts theater.
The art center serves as the Milane theatre, which showcases performances like concerts, musicals, plays, and films.
The Wayne Dench Performing Arts Center, although having gone through lots of changes in ownership and name, remains highly rich in history; its incredible ambiance and ancient features can not be changed.
The theatre was renovated with more comfortable seats so that you can see the stage clearly from any position you’re seated.
Wayne Dench Performing Arts Center is well maintained and clean, with an ample parking garage.
Address:201 Magnolia Ave, Sanford, FL 32771, United States
3. Fort Mellon Park
One of the fun things to do in Sanford is visiting Fort Mellon Park, which comprises many exciting amenities.
Fort Mellon Park features a gigantic playground well equipped for children of all ages coupled with a splash pad which is a perfect remedy during the hot summer days.
The park consists of a good number of tennis courts, barbecue grilling spots, basketball courts, and several play equipment.
Fort Mellon Park contains eight shaded Pavilions which are available to the public for rentals; it is perfect for birthday parties, wedding receptions, bachelor/ bachelorette parties, and many others
The park is found on Lake Monroe, giving it a paronomic view perfect for a long relaxing walk along the Sanford Riverwalk; it also features plenty of seating options on the walkway. You can decide to sit and enjoy the view or take a break while walking.
Fort Mellon Park is clean, including the conducive bathrooms; make sure you stop by your visit isn’t complete without it.
Address:600 E 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771 United States
4. Lower Wekiva River State Preserve
Are you ready for some outdoor adventure? If yes, you should definitely visit the Lower Wekiva River State Preserve in Sanford.
Lower Wekiva River State Preserve is a stunning twenty thousand-acre nature reserve that is home to various wildlife.
Here, you will find wildlife like sandhill cranes, river otters, wood storks, alligators, black bears, and several others.
Lower Wekiva River State Preserve is an excellent place for fishing, kayaking, canoeing as well as camping with your friends and family.
You can also decide to go hiking, equestrian camping, horseback riding, or go for a picnic and have lunch with your loved ones.
Lower Wekiva River State Preserve is filled with natural amenities, including beautiful trees and flowers, which gives the environment a relaxing and scenic view.
Address:8300 FL-46, Sanford, FL 32771, United States
5. Katie’s Wekiva River Landing
Canoeing at Katie’s Wekiva River Landing is one of the best things to do in Sanford for a fun adventure.
Katie’s Wekiva River Landing flows for seventeen miles towards north before meeting the St Jude River.
It is located in Wekiwa Springs state park; the river is one of the two rivers tagged as the National Wild and Scenic River.
The park offers many fun activities like kayaking, boating, and canoeing; this Is the only park within the lower Wekiva river preserve state park that allows the launching of kayaks and canoes.
There are picnic tables with huge trees as shades, especially on a sunny day. You can grab a meal with your loved ones.
Katie’s Wekiva River Landing features a large parking lot with clean restrooms, and the river is crystal clear and transparent.
Address:262 Wekiva Park Dr, Sanford, FL 32771, 407-884-2009 United States
6. The Henry Shelton Sanford Memorial Library and Museum
Henry Shelton Sanford Memorial Library and Museum
A visit to Henry Shelton Sanford Memorial Library and Museum is one of the best things to do in Sanford.
Henry Shelton Sanford Memorial Library and Museum was established in 1957, and it is now referred to as the Sanford Museum.
The Museum offers a wide selection of documents, papers, books owned by Henry S. Sanford, the founder of Sanford city.
Henry Shelton Sanford Memorial Library and Museum also showcases Henry S. Sanford’s personal objects, furniture, European paintings, right back from the 1800s.
The museum displays artifacts about the riverboats and railroads, the Naval Air Station, the fire and police department, and the city’s planning.
You have to visit Henry Shelton Sanford Memorial Library and Museum, especially if you want to learn more about the town’s history.
Address:520 E 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771, United States
7. Sanford Food Tours
One of the best ways to explore this beautiful city of Sanford is by booking an appointment with Sanford Food Tours.
Sanford Food Tours offers you three hours of walking history and food tour of the historic downtown District of Sanford.
You will be taken to the different establishments mentioned on the national historic register during the tour and learn more about the city’s prestigious past.
You get to visit many restaurants that are well known for serving delicious and locally made traditional meals and try out some of their famous dishes.
Sanford Food Tours gives you the opportunity to meet and interact with chefs and owners of the restaurants and learn more about the foundation and their passion for the business.
The tour guides are highly knowledgeable about the various attractions in the city, and they are always willing to answer any questions.
Address: 303 W 3rd St, Sanford, FL 32771, United States
8. Locksmith Escape Games
A game at Locksmith Escape Games is one of the fun things to do in Sanford with your friends and family.
Locksmith Escape Games offers different rooms with different levels of challenges; you are given sixty minutes to find clues ideas and solve puzzles that will enable you to escape the room in time.
If, by chance, you do not understand the concept of the games and how to play, they offer you free tutorials where you get to see how the game works before paying for it.
Locksmith Escape Games is all about coming out of your comfort zone and trying out something a bit challenging that requires more brainwork.
The games are ideal for couples, friends, and family to help them master how to work as a team and increase their bonds.
Locksmith Escape Games is a great place for different kinds of events like birthday parties, retirement parties, staff retreats, a night out with friends, and lots more.
They are open from Monday to Saturday from 10:30am-11pm, and Sunday from 12pm-10pm.
Address:102 Towne Center Cir, Sanford, FL 32771, United States
Check out the top things to do in Coral Gables, things to do in Palm Coast, and things to do in Fort Lauderdale for a memorable exploration of Florida.
9. Sanford RiverWalk
Sanford RiverWalk
One of the fun things to do in Sanford is visiting the Sanford RiverWalk for an incredibly fun experience.
Sanford RiverWalk is located next to Lake Monroe, which gives it a picturesque view making it a perfect place for strolling or long walks.
The paved trails lead to different areas starting from Lake Monroe, Wayside Park, Log Cabin Memorial Park, Fort Mellon Park, the Sanford Museum, and Veterans Memorial Park.
Sanford RiverWalk also connects to a public bit ramp, shops, restaurants, and several others. A new section was recently added in 2021, which goes on for miles.
This is an excellent choice for skateboarding and biking; there are swings and benches where you can sit and relax.
You also get to watch the alligators bathing in the lake from a convenient position along the lake. Sanford RiverWalk is a wonderful place to visit with your friends and family.
Address: E Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771, 407-328-0018 United States.
10. Goldsboro Historical Museum
Goldsboro Historical Museum
If you’re a history enthusiast, Goldsboro Historical Museum is a place you will absolutely love to visit in Sanford.
Goldsboro Historical Museum was established in 1891 by Mr. William Clark, and it is located on the Historic Goldsboro Boulevard.
The museum plays a vital role in the city’s development, and it was also known as the second all-black township in the United States.
Goldsboro Historical Museum features many artifacts that showcase churches, residents, General stores, schools, and businesses.
They also offer docent-led guided tours with tour guides that have broad knowledge about the city’s history, and it is available throughout the week.
Address:1211 Historic Goldsboro Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771, United States
11. The Breezeway Restaurant & Bar
If you’re craving for delicious seafood in Sanford, The Breezeway Restaurant & Bar is the right place for you.
The Breezeway Restaurant & Bar offers a comprehensive food menu which includes fish and chips, fried green tomatoes, mussels, Style Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches, firecracker shrimps, Mozzarella & Tomato Caprese, big fish sandwiches, Philly Cheese Steak, and many more.
They serve tasty and delightful drinks such as Hurricane, swamp water, breezeway spritz, top-shelf margaritas, Absolut Mule, Sauvignon Blanc, sparkling, Chardonnay, Merlot, and several others.
The Breezeway Restaurant & Bar offers a nice outdoor patio that is usually lively and friendly used as a meeting place for many families.
The staff is attentive when taking orders, and they ensure the meals are served fresh and tasty for the visitor’s satisfaction.
The Breezeway Restaurant & Bar is open on Wednesday and Thursday from 11am-9pm, Friday & Saturday from 11am-10pm, and Sunday from 11am-8pm (closed Monday and Tuesday)
Address:112 E 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771, United States
12. The Corner Cafe
Dining at the Corner Cafe is one of the fun things to do in Sanford with your family and friends for a wonderful dining experience.
The Corner Cafe Is a unique cafe with different sides; it is a cool neighborhood cafe by day and a lively bistro by night.
The cafe doesn’t only have an amazing indoor seating but also has an outdoor patio with picturesque views of the downtown district.
The Corner Cafe is a pet-friendly cafeteria which serves delightful dishes suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
They serve meals like panini-style sandwiches, homemade soups, and salads in different styles and recipes depending on your preference.
The Corner Cafe also offers an impressive drink menu including casual wines, refined cocktails, locally crafted beers, and other beverages.
Address:101 W 1st St A, Sanford, FL 32771, United States
13. Black Bear Wilderness Area
For an adventurous activity, Black Bear Wilderness Area is a place you will love to visit in Sanford.
Black Bear Wilderness Area stretches to about one thousand, six hundred acres of the northwest Seminole County.
The Wilderness area is characterized by elements that create a diverse habitat, such as Hydric Hammock, Wet Prairies, and Cypress Swamps.
In the Black Bear Wilderness Area, you will find different wildlife, including River Otters, Florida Black Bear Wilderness Area, White-tailed deer, and American Alligators.
The area has paved walkways that goes towards historic levees and over wet areas, leading to the St. John River.
One incredible advantage about the trails is always being dry almost throughout the year.
Address:5301 Michigan Ave, Sanford, FL 32771, 407-665-0000 United States.
14. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
A visit to Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is one of the best things to do in Sanford, where you’re allowed to get close up with nature.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens serves as a refuge to about two hundred and five species leading to a total of over five hundred animals.
This one hundred and sixteen-acre animal territory displays several animals in their natural habitats.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens comprises a zoo that features other eye-catching facilities like the ZOO Air Adventure Park and the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground Water Park.
These facilities found in the zoo offer the Barnyard Buddies Children’s Zoo, a carousel with rides for young visitors, and an ariel adventure course.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens contains animals like monkeys, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, and an insect zoo and reptile house.
You get to experience a close encounter with the animals and feed the giraffes. You can explore the zoo however you want.
Address:3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771, United States
15. Gallery On First
Gallery On First
If you’re an art lover, Gallery On First in Sanford is a place you will cherish after your first visit.
Gallery On First is an excellent choice for beginning and professional artists because it creates a cozy, working space for them.
The gallery connects people into the artistic world by allowing them to interact with working artists, events, shows, and education.
Gallery On First periodically brings the creative minds of over ten to fifteen artists together, creating a platform for the artists to individually bring out their creative views using their working art studios.
At the gallery, you get to shop for unique and special sculptures and other artworks you can’t get elsewhere and for a reasonable cost.
The staff is super friendly and welcoming, politely answering any questions thrown at them; the facility is always clean and well organized.
Address:211 E 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771, 407-323-2774 United States
For a fun road trip in Florida, do not miss exploring our checklist of in things to do in Clermont , things to do in Lakeland and things to do in Ocala.
16. Jeanine Taylor Folk Art
Jeanine Taylor Folk Art
If you’re an art fanatic, Jeanine Taylor Folk Art is a place you will love to visit in Sanford.
Jeanine Taylor Folk Art is a locally owned gallery built-in 1997 located in the historic district of downtown Sanford.
The gallery’s main aim is to preserve Florida’s artistic culture. It showcases artworks by local artists such as Ruby C. Williams, Missionary Mary Proctor, Purvis Young, Theresa Disney, Butch Anthony, and John “cornbread Anderson.
Jeanine Taylor Folk Art displays contemporary folk art and unique collectibles, which shows how talented the artists are.
The gallery is a venue for special events and several kinds of rotating exhibitions all year round; it is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-6pm, and Sunday from 12pm-5pm.
Address: 211 E 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771, United States.
17. The Museum of Seminole County History
Museum of Seminole County History
The museum aims at preserving and promoting the cultures and history of Seminole County, including central Florida.
The Museum of Seminole County History displays documents, artifacts, photographs, maps, and other valuable collectibles which tell stories about the Seminole County and the early residents.
This museum was built in 1926 for those who needed a place to stay and had no one to care for them; the country was just twelve years old.
The Museum of Seminole County History is located in the actual ” Old folks Home”; a tour is organized where visitors are taken through the past like the industries of the region 19th and 20th century, Native American Indian artifacts Early Forts , decorative Arts Life in Seminole County Towns in the 1800s and 1990s, development of railroads, maps traveling exhibits Seminole County Historical Society, steamship transportation Agriculture and lots more.
Due to the level of information contained in the museum, it was placed on the National Register of Historical places in June 1999.
Address:300 Eslinger Way, Sanford, FL 32773, 407-665-2489 United States
18. Deviant Wolfe Brewing
Visiting Deviant Wolfe Brewing is one of the fun things to do in Sanford for a fantastic dining experience.
Deviant Wolfe Brewing is a locally owned brewery that serves different drinks with high quality and unique flavors.
The brewery is located at the heart of the historic downtown District of Sanford, which produces handcrafted beers with tastes you can’t get elsewhere.
The drinks are made with quality locally made ingredients with the best seasonal additives; the brewery produces more than a dozen beers on-site, each made with unique styles.
Deviant Wolfe Brewing features a cozy taproom with well-organized tables for guests to relax and try out some of their latest samples.
Although they don’t serve food, you can order food from the restaurants and get it delivered to you at the taproom.
Deviant Wolfe Brewing provides a comfortable atmosphere and a wide collection of beers for you to choose from.
Address:121 W 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771, United States
19. Theatre West End
Theatre West End is a community theater in Sanford; it is also known as the Princess theater and is located in the downtown district of Sandford.
The theater showcases Folklife plays about Florida, which helps preserve the stories of the Florida residents.
The Folk plays performed helps the people to connect better to the story and imagine how the people were living and surviving.
The theatre is fantastic, with comfortable seats designed in a stadium-style setting, so you can see the stage clearly when your favorite actors are performing from any point you’re seated in the theater.
Theatre West End serves tasty drinks and chips at the entrance for a reasonable price, and the staff is welcoming and well disciplined.
The theater is open only Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 5pm-10pm. Make sure you visit and watch talented artists while they perform.
Address:115 W 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771-1201 United States
20. American Bronze Foundry
American Bronze Foundry
Visiting the American Bronze Foundry is one of the top things to do in Sanford, especially if you’re into metal sculptures and Foundry work.
American Bronze Foundry is a state-of-the-art establishment open to everyone; it produces high-quality museum bronze sculpture castings and fine art.
The facility showcases different collections of sculptures made from photographs, drawings, illustrations, sketches by professionals, and in-house sculptures.
Some sculptures are also made from plastic, leather, wood, cast in clay and wax. American Bronze Foundry is the largest fine art bronze sculpture casting in the Southeast.
American Bronze Foundry organizes a brief tour, where you get to browse through the displayed items and learn more about how they are made.
You will also find some artists producing beautiful art pieces; this is a fantastic place to visit and is definitely worth the stop.
Address:1650 E Lake Mary Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773, United States
21. The Original Christo’s
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy delicious American cuisine in Sanford, Original Christo’s is the perfect place for you.
The Original Christo’s is one of the oldest family-owned and operated restaurants built by the Cranias in 1971.
This restaurant has consistently served the people meals for either breakfast, lunch, or dinner for The past fifty years.
The Original Christo’s serves high-quality, fresh and tasty meals such as Penne Ala Vodka, full rack ribs, Jumbo Chicken Wings, classic French soup, apple pie, Firecracker Chicken Sandwiches, steaks, salads, and their signature wood-fired pizza.
They also offer a vast menu of wines and drinks, including Stella Artios, Yuengling lager, Budweiser, California Pinot Noir, josh cellars, Barone Fini, Freixenet blanc de blanc, and lots more.
The Original Christo’s offers a spacious and well-ventilated dining room with many cozy tables and chairs; they also provide excellent catering services for private parties and functions.
They are open on Monday from 11am-3pm, Tuesday to Thursday from 11am-10pm, Friday & Saturday from 11am-11pm, and Sunday from 8am-3pm.
Address:107 W 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771, United States
22. Buster’s Bistro Belgian Bar
The perfect place to showcase your party spirit and lively vibes is at Buster’s Bistro Belgian Bar in Sanford.
Buster’s Bistro Belgian Bar is a beautifully designed bar that offers a large and comfortable indoor seating with warm wood furniture.
They also have an awesome outdoor where you can relax, especially during the summer, for a relaxed dining and drinking experience.
Buster’s Bistro Belgian Bar serves delectable delights like smoked salmon, chicken noodles, chicharrones, bistro board, sprouts, crab salad, pork pot roast, chocolate mousse, and more.
They also serve various drinks, starting from Belgian beers and cocktails, which are imported based on their quality.
The restaurant is an excellent venue for several kinds of events, available all year round coupled with live music entertainment.
Buster’s Bistro Belgian Bar is open on Wednesday and Thursday from 4pm-10pm, Friday from 4pm-12am, Sunday 11am-12am, and Saturday from 11am-4pm (closed Monday and Tuesday).
Address:300 Sanford Ave, Sanford, FL 32771, United States
23. Red Hill Groves
Shopping at Red Hill Groves is one of the best things to do in Sanford for a fantastic shopping experience.
Red Hill Groves is a family-owned citrus farm founded in 1962; the farm has a shop on-site containing various kinds of citrus products.
You will find high-quality citrus products such as Honeybell tangelos, grapefruit, Navel oranges, Valencia oranges, and tangerines.
Red Hill Groves sells handmade citrus candies, citrus fruit, Georgie pecans, homemade jams, and gift baskets.
There is a small cafe where you can get delightful coffee and light snacks, including a special homemade barbecue.
Address:7210 N Ronald Reagan Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773, United States
24. Wop’s Hops Brewing Company
Wop’s Hops Brewing Company was opened in October 2014. The brewery is the first in Sanford; you can trace it to the historic downtown Sanford.
At Wop’s Hops Brewing Company, you can enjoy good craft ales, wines, and soda in their tasting room and dog-friendly beer garden.
The brewery also offers a full food menu, including sandwiches, salads, appetizers, custom flatbread, wings, and much more.
For dessert, you can sample some of their mouth-watering doughnuts.
Address:419 Sanford Ave, Sanford, FL 32771, United States
25. Paw Park of Historic Sanford
Paw Park of Historic Sanford used to be known as Jaycee Park. It was created in 1877 and was the first Park in the city.
In 2014, the Park and surrounding neighborhood started going through difficulties. The neighborhood had become industrial and was filled with run-down buildings.
The Park was afflicted with homelessness and crime, so the city decided it was time for some transformation and designed it as a park for unleashed dogs.
The Park was completely renovated, even transforming its shape into a dog paw, with tiny green spaces that look like paw pads.
They included a time-out area for hyperactive dogs, an agility course, and a small enclosure.
Additionally, the Park has a self-filling water bowl, a water mister for dogs and humans, and poop bags.
There are also many benches and picnic tables littered around the Park for people who want to enjoy a picnic there.
If you forget to pack a lunch, many vending machines sell beverages, sandwiches, and more.
Address:427 S French Ave, Sanford, FL 32771, United States
Check out more cities in Florida, here is a list of things to do in Punta Gorda, things to do in Gainesville and things to do in Tallahassee for a fun time in this city.
Plan your Trip to Sanford
Sanford is a popular destination for many tourists because of all it has to offer; the city is one of the best places to go when you want to stay away from the bustling and hustling of the world.
You will never get bored here as there are lots of places to visit, things to do, meals to try out and more.