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Sanford is a historic city of about 62,000 people on the southern shore of Lake Monroe, along the St. Johns River, about 20 miles north of Orlando. Founded in the 1870s by diplomat Henry Shelton Sanford, it became a busy river port and was once known as the Celery Capital of the World, and today it is the county seat of Seminole County.
Historic Downtown Sanford has been revived with brick streets, restored early 20th-century buildings, independent restaurants, breweries and antique shops, along with the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center in a 1920s theater. The Sanford Museum and the Goldsboro Front Porch Museum tell the stories of the city and its historic Black community of Goldsboro.
The Sanford Riverwalk follows the lakefront past Fort Mellon Park, and the Rivership Barbara Lee offers cruises on the St. Johns River. Families visit the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, nature lovers hike the Black Bear Wilderness Area, and the Amtrak Auto Train to Virginia starts here.
A shaded zoo near Lake Monroe with animals from Florida and around the world, including cheetahs, rhinos, alligators and many reptiles, set among gardens and boardwalks. It also has a treetop zip line and ropes course. Visit in the morning when animals are more active and the Florida heat is milder.
A paved promenade running along the southern shore of Lake Monroe, with benches, fountains and views of boats, birds and spectacular sunsets. It is popular for walking, running and cycling and links downtown to lakefront parks. Go at sunset and watch for herons, ospreys and occasionally manatees in the water.
A city park on the shore of Lake Monroe near downtown, named for a military post built nearby during the Second Seminole War. It has a playground, picnic areas, open lawns and the Sanford Riverwalk passing through. It is a good place for families to relax by the water and watch the sunset.
Sanford's revitalized downtown along First Street and nearby blocks, with restored brick buildings housing independent restaurants, craft breweries, cafes, antique stores and galleries. Monthly art walks and street festivals bring crowds. It is easy to explore on foot, and the lake is just a short walk north.
A paddlewheel-style riverboat that offers lunch, dinner and sightseeing cruises from Sanford on Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River, passing wild shoreline where alligators, birds and sometimes manatees can be seen. It is a relaxed way to see the river. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dinner cruises.
A free city museum in downtown Sanford with exhibits on Henry Shelton Sanford, the town's river trade, its citrus and celery farming, and local baseball history. It also holds archives of local photographs and documents. A visit takes about an hour, and staff are happy to share stories of the city's past.
A small museum telling the story of Goldsboro, one of the first incorporated Black towns in Florida, founded in 1891 and annexed by Sanford in 1911. Exhibits share the history of the community, its leaders and its families through photos and artifacts. Check opening hours in advance, as they are limited.
A restored 1920s theater in downtown Sanford that hosts musicals, plays, concerts, comedy and film screenings in its historic auditorium. Its intimate size makes for a good view from most seats. Check the schedule online and enjoy dinner in one of the downtown restaurants nearby before the show.
A Seminole County natural area along the St. Johns River with a long loop trail through cypress swamps, hammocks and floodplain forest, using boardwalks and raised levees. Black bears, deer, wading birds and alligators live here. Trails can be wet and muddy, so wear proper boots and carry water and insect repellent.
A large, shallow lake formed by the St. Johns River on Sanford's northern edge, used for boating, fishing and watching wildlife, with wide views from the downtown waterfront. Manatees visit in cooler months and birds are plentiful year-round. Swimming is not advised, as alligators live in the lake.
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