THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Sanford (2024) - Must-See Attractions
Things to Do in Sanford

Things to Do in Sanford, FL - Sanford Attractions

Things to Do in Sanford


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Top Attractions in Sanford

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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Other Top Attractions around Sanford

*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • RICART75
    Peru, IN2,175 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Admittedly, the main reason we visit downtown Sanford during our Orlando stays, is to dine at Hollerbachs restaurant and/or pick up desserts at the German Market (love those Nutella creme rolls, bee sting croissants, etc.)
    While there, however; we also enjoy exploring the shops, strolling the streets and spending time by Lake Monroe.
    This is a wonderful way to experience the side of Florida that is a bit more laid-back; and not quite so mega tourist/attraction oriented.
    Written January 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • christopher a
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mid Nov to mid Dec 2023 was the best time to see bears Between 4 Mile and 5.5 Mile marker first a family of 3 Shy but were easy to see along the trail. Then Came along a Family of 4 they loved the trail way to much and wanted to make the trail their new home and invited the other three to Join them so the cubs could play Mothers were protective at first but soon got use to getting out of the way of Hikers, Some Hikers were just as scared of the bears as the Bears of them. Finally, a Femal jogger scared the Family of 4 as much as they scared her and they then jumped into the water and swam and walked across the 1/2 mile of marsh out of the Bear trail area for good. Borred the other family left a few days later. But Boo Boo (my name for him) the three Lagged Bear that lives to the right of the trail starting point can been seen many nights right around sunset when he comes out to see if anyone left any food on the trail by accident, he is often seen around the homes outside the park checking out the local trash cans for an easy quick snack. I have seen 8 Bears on the same day and no bears for months other days I have seen many water birds, Owls plus at the 2.5 Mile Mark don't look up at the 25 very fat Buzzards they can be intimidating the same with the wild Bores where the males can be aggressive when the little ones are around, You have to look close to see the Alligators they sleep along the trail and look fake at first glance. I have seen deer. snakes, one river otter and more Mosquitoes than one might expect so use lots of protection on all exposed skin and any thin clothing. Hardy shoes are needed unless your just going out the first 2 miles along the river and then back to the parking lot (I would not recommend walking out after a rain without boots). I have never seen the parking lot full but close to it on new year's weekend. Great place to get away from the city life and take a small look at animals and nature in the wild and get some good exercise at 7.1 miles long.
    Written January 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mary L
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Walked the Riverwalk during an overnight stay leaving out of Sanford Airport.
    Sweet swings to lounge on. Sailboats docked along the harbor of Lake Monroe.
    Veterans Memorial was well made and honorable to those fallen. There was a couple of people there working on the dedication stones. A service that is definitely needed. I appreciate their service to that craft.
    Written September 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Carol Ann J
    Germantown, NY2,580 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a nice place to visit for kids of all ages. The zoo is in a lovely park-like setting with the gardens all around. It is not large but nice to visit for two or three hours depending on how long one stops to observe different animals. Unfortunately, several of the animals were not in their habitats on the day we visited. Nevertheless, we liked what we did see, and especially enjoyed watching the Spider Monkeys interact with one another. The zoo also has a fun water splash area for children with changing rooms.
    Written March 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeanne M
    Orlando, FL62 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I can't decide if I love the beer or the people more! There are so many varieties of both. HAPPY PEOPLE!

    Tracy's beer art is crazy beautiful & creative!
    Written September 12, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • The World is My Oyster
    Orlando, FL21,653 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We truly enjoyed our airboat ride on Lake Jessup, and I highly recommend going with The Black Hammock! There are so many gators floating all around, and so many different types of birds. Great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
    Written August 16, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GoingFarFarAway
    Tampa, FL564 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Many local artist on display. Some works were very crude but something for everyone. Nice way to spend a casual afternoon looking at the artwork.
    Written April 5, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Arline Zatz
    Metuchen, NJ819 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We love to paddle here along part of Florida's absolutely gorgeous, peaceful Lower Wekiva River. We've never made it to where it joins the St. Johns River - but have been satisfied paddling two hours round trip from the starting point. This is considered Florida's 'wild rivers' representing vestiges of primitive America. It's unpolluted water, is free flowing, and supports animals, plants and birds. We've seen lots of memorable things while floating along and you will, too. Unfortunately you have to bring you own canoe or kayak, but the put-in is sandy and easy. We always turn right going downstream because it's so relaxing, but if you choose to turn left and go upstream, you'll just float back to the put-in. Wear a hat, bring water and lunch or a snack. You can bring you car or pick-up right to the put-in, but you have to park it in one of the spots designated that's filled with picnic areas and trees overhead. You can also go hiking opposite the park, which is something we haven't tried yet. The parking fee is less than $5 on the honor system, and there are bathrooms at the entry point.
    Written April 28, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GrandmaPoppy
    South Daytona, FL191 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great place to browse! I always enjoy and respect artistic creations! Take your time there is so much to see!
    Written September 24, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • glomarrone
    Cocoa Beach, FL2,775 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our large group of Central Florida locals recently attended a performance of Footloose the Musical. Many of us had seen the movie and were looking forward to seeing a live performance. We were not disappointed. The play is based on the original musical drama movie, Footloose from 1984. Later the movie had a remake in 2011. We arrived by coach; our driver found ample parking in the lot directly across the street from the theater. The venue itself is lovely after major renovations were completed in 1915. Seats are comfortable and all have good views of the stage. Since we were a group, our seats were all located closer to the aisles rather than in the center. I sat in Row F and had an excellent view. The theater was not full at our matinee. Be aware that during the play, the sides and aisles of the theater are utilized.

    The story centers on a young boy, Ren who comes to a small western town, Bomont, Utah. The town experienced a major tragedy and the Reverend with the help of the town council declared that dancing was therefore banned. Ren & the other teens decide to challenge the ban. The cast is mostly made up of energetic teenagers who are talented and dance well. Reverent Shaw comes across initially as influential, unbending and finally humane. The play moved along smoothly but occasionally there were minor glitches with the sound. I enjoyed every minute of the show. It was lively and very entertaining.

    The theater hosts a wide variety of events. Coming events are Purple Madness- A Tribute to Prince, Monsters of Comedy, Symphonic Underground’s Dancing Mad: A Final Fantasy VI Tribute and Tripping the Light Fantastic: A Tribute to Paul Mc Cartney. Classic movies are shown as well and Seminole State College has a Jazz night scheduled. Be sure to check their Website for other performances throughout the year. Consider including a meal at the nearby Willow Tree German Cafe as we did. A stroll through historic Sanford is not to be missed. Hopefully the outdoor Marketplace will be up and running, too.
    Written October 1, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • FLHarlock
    Tavares, FL4,884 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful park on Sylvan Lake with something for everyone. Enter the park and you will see many athletic fields, tennis courts, racquetball, and even volleyball courts. Explore deeper and you will see a playground for children and picnic areas. Go all the way in and you find a dock on the lake and what used to be a boardwalk. That's the problem area. It seems that the front of the park is maintained whilst the back has been neglected. I did, however, see a deer on the road to the lake. With the roar of a thousand yuppies and their children on the soccer fields, a deer still braved to show himself. Gotta love how nature adapts. Definitely worth a visit.
    Written May 7, 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cipriano M
    Orlando, FL248 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Found this place by mistake to be honest. Since Black Bear Wilderness Preserve was close, I wanted to hike somewhere new. I Yelped this place and gave it a shot. Boy, I was so proud to hike this amazing place!

    I parked across the street at the park and paid $3. I had a picnic in the park before my hike here in the woods. It was such a lovely peaceful hike in the woods. There was a dead end due to water covering the trail at one point. The signs (or lack of signs), made it confusing at times on where to go. I ended up at someone's house twice in the hike by mistake. Besides the poor signage, this place was fantastic.

    It appeared I started at a different point in the hike compared to the other Yelp review here. I did not continue all the way down the street. I think that is where this place is with the gator.

    Please take a look at my photos to learn about the hike I took that day. It was very nice overall. I would recommend hiking here alone or with friends. Have fun.
    Written January 28, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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