Why You Should Plan a Day in the Downtown Sanford Historic District
Situated just 30 minutes north of Orlando, Florida is historic downtown Sanford, a city that has been around since the 1800’s. This popular and quaint destination features many award-winning bars, restaurants, craft breweries, festivals, and art galleries. Once referred to as Florida’s “Historic Waterfront Gateway,” Sanford is now a hidden gem right in Central Florida!
How to Get to Sanford and the Historic District
The nearest airport to downtown Sanford is the Orlando/Sanford International Airport (SFB) which provides domestic and international flights. From there, you can take a taxi or hope in a rental car to the historic downtown area.
If you plan on driving, I-4 passes through Sanford and connects the town to both Tampa and Orlando in the south. Larger towns like Gainesville and Jacksonville are just a two hour drive to visit downtown Sanford.
10 Reasons to Visit Downtown Sanford
The historic downtown Sanford area is truly a hidden gem in Central Florida, complete with brick-lined streets, antique shops, original brick buildings, and tons of charm. Being situated along the shores of one of the area’s largest lakes highlights the natural beauty of the town. Get ready to step back in time and visit a piece of “Old Florida”!
1. The Sanford RiverWalk & Marina
The RiverWalk in Sanford is a wide paved walkway skirting the scenic shoreline of Lake Monroe. This multi-use trail is nearly 5 miles long and was created to enhance and celebrate the city’s waterways and promote outdoor recreational opportunities for the local community.
Lake Monroe is among the top 10 largest lakes in the Orlando area, and the RiverWalk offers fantastic views of the water, as well as picnic areas and fishing piers. Popular activities for visitors include walking, jogging, cycling, boating, and bird watching.
The Sanford Marina is located right in the heart of downtown along the RiverWalk. The marina is a popular destination for boaters and fishermen, and provides docking options for those who would like to visit downtown Sanford for the day via boat. Or better yet, hop on a Pedal Cruise Party Boat Tour with up to 20 guests!
There are also wet slips, dry and covered docking, fishing charters, and a fuel dock. Within walking distance are great seafood restaurants, bars, and all of the awesome experiences that make downtown Sanford a great place to visit.
2. Quirky Yet Oh-So-Tasty Restaurants
When you visit downtown Sanford, be sure to come with a healthy appetite. There is a plethora of fantastic eateries with meals ranging from breakfast to dessert that line the historic district.
If you want to feel like you’ve stepped right into a Bavarian beer hall, check out Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café. This well-known German restaurant is famous for creating authentic and traditional German dishes including schnitzel and bratwurst, and delectable dessert options from strudels to German chocolate cupcakes. And of course, beer served in a glass boot for sharing, and lively accordion players entertaining diners. Prost!
For groups that don’t all want to eat the same type of food, head to Henry’s Depot. This self-proclaimed food hall has seven different restaurants to choose from and a chill craft cocktail bar. If you’re craving Hawaiian BBQ, fresh seafood, maybe a big juicy sandwich or upscale ramen, you’re sure to appease the masses in this 8,000-square-foot foodie paradise. Finish the evening with a healthy scoop of homemade ice cream, perfect for a visit to downtown Sanford.
3. Peruse Local Art
Downtown Sanford’s Historic District has become a hub for artists looking for inspiration and space to showcase their work. One of Central Florida’s most vibrant art communities, the art scene here is diverse with a focus on contemporary and folk art.
The Gallery On First is located right on the main street and showcases all different styles of artwork. And for a great date night idea, the Sanford Art Walk occurs on the third Saturday of each month. The galleries and shops stay open late for a “sip and shop”, with most offering complimentary snacks and wine for guests while they peruse the shop and meet the artists.
Along the streets and alleys of downtown visitors will view murals and street art that highlight the rich history and cultural diversity of the town. If you plan to visit downtown Sanford in the spring, the annual St. Johns River Festival of the Arts showcases the fine arts and crafts made by some of the best artists in the country. And every third Thursday of the month is the Sanford Art and Jazz Night for music and art lovers alike.
4. The Sanford Veterans Memorial Park
The Veteran’s Memorial Park is a beautiful tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country. The park is located along the waterfront and offers stunning views of Lake Monroe. The centerpiece of the park is a large, circular memorial that pays homage to the five branches of the military. Visitors can also view a number of other tribute plaques, memorials, and sculptures that honor the sacrifices of our veterans.
5. Cute Boutique Shops
Shopping in downtown Sanford provides a unique experience thanks to the small-town vibe and lack of chain stores. The original brick buildings and architectural details highlight the charm of this hidden gem. With a variety of boutiques offering one-of-a-kind gifts, antique shops, and art galleries, the historic district offers something for everyone.
6. Cool Wine Bars & Cozy Pubs
Sanford’s historic district is home to many unique wine bars and chill pubs right in the heart of downtown. Ellen’s Wine Room is a charming wine bar offering a comfortable and cozy atmosphere with an impressive selection of wines from around the world. The bar also offers a range of light bites and charcuterie to complement guests’ wine choices.
Brix & Mortar Urban Winery offers a more modern take on a wine bar. The impressive wine flight is a great way to taste the wines crafted in-house, or try one of the seasonal frozen wine slushies – always a good idea when visiting Florida!
For a cozy and eclectic experience, the Old Jailhouse Bar is a quirky watering hole that’s steeped in history. Housed in a historic building that has been everything from an 1800’s Blacksmith shop to the Seminole County Jail in the later 1900’s, the facility has retained much of its original character. The open kitchen concept and made-from-scratch menu adds to the pull that makes you want to sit and stay a while – but don’t stay too long or you may get locked up!
7. Live Music & Brews
The city’s historic downtown district may be small but it is home to a number of craft breweries, micropubs, distilleries, and taprooms. Wop’s Hops Brewing proudly states they are “Sanford’s First Microbrewery”. Dees Brothers Brewing operates out of a 100-year-old building and has several rotating taps.
The Community Brewhouse downtown is connected to the Sanford Homebrew Shop where visitors can learn about brewing at home while enjoying a “nano-brew” (smaller than a microbrewery). Loggerhead Distillery makes small batch craft spirits and you can stop by for a tasting at their historic downtown location. It’s a good thing there are so many great restaurants to choose from, you’ll need a break from all of the pub-hopping!
Several establishments regularly feature live music such as the Sanford Brewing Company, Deviant Wolfe Brewing, and Celery City Craft Beer Garden. In addition to these venues the city also hosts a number of outdoor music festivals and events throughout the year, including the Sanford Jazz Festival. The best way to get around after bar-hopping? Try out a Limo Cycle for an eco-friendly way to explore the pubs in downtown Sanford!
8. Sanford's Paw Park
The Paw Park of Historic Sanford is a popular dog park featuring two completely fenced in areas for play, separated for smaller and larger dogs. This 1.3-acre park offers plenty of shade trees, seating areas, doggie shower stations, water bowls and even agility training setups. Paw Park is open daily from dawn until dusk and is free to the public, making it an excellent spot for dogs and their owners to socialize and enjoy the beautiful Florida sunshine.
9. Festivals and Special Events in Downtown Sanford
For a small historic town, Sanford knows how to have a good time. Hosting a number of events and festivals throughout the year celebrating the arts, music, and culture of the community, a visit to downtown Sanford can offer a diverse range of activities and entertainment.
Besides the monthly art walks, jazz nights, and the spring arts festival are more non-traditional events such as the Sanford Porchfest, an annual music festival encompassing the entire historic district where musicians play on residents’ porches. Another popular event is the Palooza beer festival held in November, featuring over 200 craft beers and food vendors. Finally, the Sanford Holiday Tour of Homes offers visitors a chance to tour historic homes and buildings decorated for the holiday season.
Watch short films and mingle with filmmakers at the annual Love Your Shorts Film Festival. Cheer on sofa racers at Sofas and Suds, an event that looks just like it sounds: a couch-racing and beer-chasing race. Bring your favorite furry pup to Pints n’ Paws craft beer festival featuring over 100 breweries, food trucks, and live entertainment all to fundraise for local pet rescues. And don’t forget the huge Oktoberfest street party put on by Hollerbach’s Café every year!
10. Central Florida Zoo
The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located just minutes from downtown Sanford and features a variety of entertainment and education for all ages. The zoo encompasses over 116 acres and is home to over 350 animals representing more than 100 different species including elephants, leopards, tropical and Florida-native birds, monkeys, reptiles, otters, and cheetahs.
The zoo also features botanical gardens with hundreds of plant species throughout the property, including butterfly gardens, herb gardens, and a wetlands garden. Visitors can enjoy the splash pad on those hot Florida summer days, cool off under a shaded picnic area, or check out the gift shop and café. And for the adventurous guests, try out the zip lines and rope bridges at the Zoom Adventure Park inside the zoo!
Day Trips from Downtown Sanford
Mount Dora
Much like downtown Sanford, Mount Dora is a charming small town located just outside of Orlando. The town is known for its specialty shops, art galleries, and antique shops. Visitors can also enjoy a boat ride on Lake Dora, which offers glimpses of wildlife like alligators and wading birds along with picturesque views of the lake and stunning sunsets.
Blue Spring State Park
20 minutes north of Sanford is the crisp and inviting Blue Spring State Park along the St. John’s River, where manatees visit by the dozens every year. The crystal clear blue springs invite visitors to cool off and rejuvenate in the refreshing water while swimming and snorkeling. The park also includes showers, restrooms, and a concession area, so there’s no need to worry about anything but relaxing and enjoying your day.
New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is a charming seaside city located in Volusia County, about 30 minutes west of downtown Sanford. This beach town offers outdoor activities such as surfing the consistent waves, paddling the intracoastal waterways, fishing, and birdwatching. With an average temperature of 77°F, make sure to take some time to relax at the pristine beaches after you visit downtown Sanford.
The Best Time to Visit Downtown Sanford
Sanford boasts a subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The peak season for tourism in the city is from December through March, when visitors from colder climates flock to Florida to escape the cold temperatures. During this time you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking along the RiverWalk, and visit the nearby beaches and parks.
However if you’re looking for cheaper accommodation rates and fewer crowds, visit in the shoulder seasons of April through May or September through November. In these months the weather is mild with less rain, making it an ideal time to explore the city’s historic downtown area. But because of Florida’s amazing climate, any time of year is a great time to visit downtown Sanford, Florida!
Other small towns in Florida with the same feel as historic Sanford:
Happy Travels!
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