Visit Downtown Sanford Florida

A few minutes north of Orlando, Florida, is Historic Downtown Sanford. This popular and well-known destination features many award-winning bars and restaurants, craft breweries, and gastropubs. And it hosts world-class concerts and major events.  Additionally, it is home to many antique shops, historic buildings, and residences.

Downtown Sanford is one of Central Florida’s most active and lively communities. It takes pride in its beautiful, spectacular marina, used for fishing, leisure boating, and romantic river cruises. It is also known for its mesmerizing brick-lined streets. Here, people roam and stroll, ogle the century-old live oaks, and take in numerous historic commercial and residential architectural designs. Some of these buildings are haunted, making visiting even more enjoyable. The historic and beautiful Downtown will take you back in time with its old structures, buildings, and revitalized brick streets. The equally vintage-looking lamp posts add more charm to this fantastic place.

Sanford Florida is a place where you are welcome, and it makes you feel like you belong. Here, you will enjoy genuine southern hospitality in a modern setting.

To learn more about this beautiful place, here are some things you can do and experience in Downtown Sanford. Visiting Sanford is a breeze; the Orlando Sanford International Airport is here.  It caters to both international and domestic carriers.

Image Credit: Ebyabe on Wikimedia Commons

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A Brief History of Downtown Sanford, Florida

Not to be mistaken for Sanford, Missouri – Sanford, Florida is unique in its own historical right. Sanford is known as the Historic Waterfront Gateway City because of its strategic location on the southern shore of Lake Monroe.

Native Americans were said to have settled in this place thousands of years before the Swedes. They had inhabited the area around Lake Monroe before the early settlers arrived, turning it into what it is today.

In 1871, the Swedes arrived by steamboat and established a new town. They cleared the sub-tropical wilderness. With just about 100 people, Sanford was incorporated back in 1877. Henry Shelton Sanford founded it. It is one of the oldest incorporated cities in Central Florida. Guests in this city will be awed by the numerous well-preserved historic buildings and structures. Some of the structures date back to 1883.

 In 1887, the city experienced one of its darkest moments with a devastating fire followed by the yellow fever epidemic.

Today, Downtown Sanford continues to keep its charm, history, and good looks. Thousands of tourists flock to this beautiful place each year to experience genuine Southern hospitality. 

Downtown Sanford Tours & Experiences

There is so much to see and do in Downtown Sanford. It would be best if you had more than a day to take it all in.

Veterans Memorial Park

Veterans Memorial is located on the shores of Lake Monroe. This park is dedicated to those who have served our country. Informational kiosks are placed throughout the park, and memorial bricks are available for purchase and placement.

Sanford Ghost Tour

The Guided Sanford Ghost Tours allow visitors to be amazed by the old tales and ghost stories about Downtown Sanford. Historical sites and buildings are haunted, giving you more reasons to visit – a different thrill. Not only will you hear about haunted houses, buildings, and ghosts, but you will also learn something about Sanford’s history and how people lived here before. And since Downtown Sanford is a historical site, you can almost feel the past residents lurking and watching from afar. This experience is suited to adventurous thrill-seekers.

During the 90-minute ghost tour, you will be spooked with tales old and new of ghostly experiences in the downtown area of Sanford. The highlight is a walk to an actual haunted building!

An expert guide leads the tour. This helps you learn historical stories gathered from people who lived in Sanford. 

Historical Tour

Join a group on a historical tour to see many beautiful architectural structures from 1883. You can take a stroll through Sanford’s Riverwalk. Here you can relax on one of its gazebos or swinging benches.   It has several miles of pedestrian and walking paths and bike trails where you can leisurely take a ride. It has a ten-foot-wide walkway perfect for walkers, hikers, and bikers.   The city has added a 3,000-foot trail to the RiverWalk.

Free Trolley Service

The City of Sanford’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) provides a free downtown trolley service.  The Sanford trolley offers transportation between the Sanford SunRail station and Downtown Sanford.  The CRA also provides a free shuttle from the Amtrak Auto Train to the Sanford Information Center Monday through Saturday.

Image Credit: City of Sanford, Florida

Marina Island

Marina Island is a small park on Lake Monroe in Sanford.  The park offers picnic pavilions and a free public boat ramp.

Fort Mellon Park

Fort Mellon is located on beautiful Lake Monroe.  Take a stroll along the RiverWalk, lined with different options for seating, and take in the incredible view.  The park also has a splash pad for anyone to come and cool off.  If you are looking for a fun place to hold a party on a special occasion, eight shaded pavilions are available for rent.

Sanford Museum

The Henry Shelton Sanford Memorial Library and Museum opened in 1957.  European and American paintings, furniture, personal objects, and books from 1820 to 1890.

Sanford Marina – Monroe Harbor 

Monroe Harbor Marina on Lake Monroe is part of the St. Johns River. Sanford’s’ RiverWalk flows along the lakeshore on both sides of the marina.  If you have a yacht or a boat, this is the perfect place to dock. 

Park on Park

The perfect spot to take the kids! This park has playgrounds for 2- to 5-year-olds. There is a restroom on site. It’s lighted, has a water fountain, and benches.

RiverWalk

Indeed, what better way to explore Downtown Sanford than to walk the RiverWalk?

The multi-purpose pedestrian trail extends for several miles along Lake Monroe and is perfect for a leisurely bike ride or walk.  Stroll through the many historic structures in the historic district with 25 buildings dating back to 1877, and head out to the neighboring residential community with more than 430 residential buildings.

Rent A Bike

You can rent bikes in Downtown Sanford or bring your own. Hop on these affordable road bikes and ride through these historical places.  And while on your bike, you can take in all of the sights while getting your daily exercise in.

Aside from cruising the beautiful brick-lined streets and historical structures, you can also enjoy more of Downtown Sanford by going to their world-famous restaurants, gastropubs, and well-known watering holes.  Listen to live music from renowned bands and local artists while you eat and drink.

Paw Park Sanford

This dog park is ADA accessible and has a double-gate entry. It is fully fenced and offers separate areas for large and small dogs. There are dog showers, self-watering bowls, waste bag dispensers, and benches for pet parents. 

Theater West End

This creative community celebrates inclusive storytelling and cultivates artistic growth in a unique and historic environment. Think Broadway meets Sanford! This is a place where you can take in a live production show.

The Ritz Theater/Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center

A historic theatre was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. After getting donations from Wayne Densch, it has now been named the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center.

Central Florida Soapbox Derby

The Soap Box Derby is a youth racing program that has run nationally since 1934. The World Championship finals at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio.

The idea of the Soap Box Derby grew out of a photographic assignment of Dayton, Ohio, newsman Myron Scott. He covered a race of boy-built cars in his home community and was so impressed by the event that he obtained a copyright on the idea and began developing a similar program on a national scale.

Park + 2^nd

This vintage shop offers an eclectic collection of antiques.  In addition to offering up the weird and wonderful one, off’s that we all desire.   They buy, sell, and appraise assets.  And, they will help you liquidate an estate if you need help.

Photo Credit: Park + 2^nd

Gallery on First

Gallery on First is a unique gallery and working space for professional and emerging artists that invites the public inside the artistic process through shows, events, education, and conversations with working artists.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens – Sanford Zoo

The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a 116-acre zoo and botanical garden.  The Zoo is home to over 350 animals from more than 100 species. 

In addition to the vast exhibitions, the Zoo features a splash park, giraffe feedings, rhino encounters, and a unique zip-lining adventure.

The Zoo hosts several annual events.  ZOO Boo Bash, Hippity Hop Adventure, and Brews Around the Zoo. 

Escape Artists Escape Room

Teams of 2 to 6 players are locked in a room and have to work together to solve puzzles, decode ciphers, and find secret passages to escape. They offer several different rooms for you to try!

Magpies Modern General

A general merchandise store loaded with apothecary products, gifts, and clothes.  They have many exciting items to offer curious customers.

Maya’s Books

Are you looking for a hard-to-find book? Maya’s has many books and music records to offer to regular customers and first-time visitors.  Here you can explore the shop and maybe score a rare book.

No doubt there will be places we forgot to mention.  Visiting the Downtown Sanford area connects people who love the outdoors and admire American history.  Indeed, this historic place is worth visiting and must be preserved for future generations.  Those ancient buildings and residences, as well as the brick-lined streets and the marina, are remnants of the grandeur and magnificence of old Sanford, and we have to keep and remember them.

The influx of modern or urban living has had a tremendous impact on history.  The pollution affects the facade of the buildings and structures, not t mention the vandalism that scar the otherwise well-preserved infrastructures and edifices.  To help against pollution, visiting the place on bikes can help ease air pollution.

Map of Historic Downtown Sanford

Map Image Credit: Historic Downtown Sanford, Florida Visitors Guide

Popular Food and Drink Spots In Downtown Sanford

There are tons of unusual bars and restaurants in Sanford.  Here are some that are “must-experiences” for first-time visitors.

The Barn

The Barn in Sanford is a huge, 16,000-square-foot live entertainment venue and country music nightclub in Sanford, Florida. This historic venue, which has seven full bars, 34 TVs, pool tables, an upstairs mechanical bull, and a large main dance floor, is known as the hottest honky-tonk and party destination in Central Florida. The club is primarily a venue for people over 18.

Tuffy’s Bottle Shop

Perfect for people who love local craft beer.  This place is popular among locals because it brews its own unique cider.  While cider is their specialty,  they also have other cocktails and beers.

The local cider is a must-try when going to this remarkable place.  You can also check out their reconstructed pontoon boat, a great photo backdrop for your IG or Facebook.

Tuffy’s Music Shop

With the recent opening of Tuffy’s Music Box, fans of live music in Central Florida have something to celebrate.  With an eclectic mix of genres, local favorites, regional and nationally touring acts, Tuffy’s Music Box offers something for everyone.

Live music happens every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, with special events on weekdays.  

Photo Credit: Tuffy’s Music Shop

The Sullivan

If you need to shun away from the harsh Florida sun for a while, this Irish Pub is a must-go-to in Sanford.  They offer whiskey and lots of beers as well.   The ambiance is genuinely Irish, with lots of spirits to choose from.

Celery City Craft

Sanford is also known as Celery City, and here is why.  Celery City Craft is home to 50 beer taps and two taps of wine.  These features are local state brews.  It has a patio that can seat lots of clients and visitors.  This place is known for hosting lots of local events. If you are not into beer or wine, they have a range of cocktail menus to choose from.

Photo Credit: Celery City Craft

If you want to listen to some live music or musical acts, Celery City Craft is the place to be in Downtown Sanford.  According to history, the city has a vast celery plantation, earning it the nickname Celer City.  And, they also have a cigar bar for those who like to indulge.

Loggerhead Distillery

Want to try a local spirit in Sanford?  Visit Loggerhead Distillery and try their Apple Pie Moonshine and vodkas.  Currently, aging is single malt whiskey, rum, and bourbon. 

Other Bars and Breweries in Downtown Sanford

• The Imperial at Washburn
• Brix + Mortar Urban Winery
• Inner Compass Brewing
• Sanford Brewing Company
• Bitters + Brass
• Wops Hops Brewing
• Deviant Wolfe Brewing

Downtown Sanford’s Famous Restaurants

Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe

This German restaurant is famous for its bar made from two-to three-century-old trees.  It was shipped to Sanford in pieces and was assembled here.  This restaurant is a hit with locals and tourists alike.   This is where many of my friends congregate for special events like birthdays or anniversaries.  It is especially popular during Oktoberfest!  And, 99% of the time, you need a reservation to eat here, so plan ahead.

Photo Credit: Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe

While you are at the restaurant, check out the exit door at Hollerbach’s Outfitters.  Here you can buy traditional German folkwear, including Dirndls, Lederhosen, and Schmuck. Real ones, not the costume versions you find online!

Fuel BBQ

Perfect for people who love barbecue.  Sample as much food as you like, but definitely try their barbecue.  Live Blues music is playing next door at the Alley, where you can relax and unwind.

Buster’s Bistro

Want to try some Belgian food and drinks?  Head out to Buster’s Bistro for a sumptuous lunch or dinner. They offer authentic Belgian foods and beverages, perfect for those who want to try European cuisine.

Coffee 

Aside from the bars and restaurants, you can also visit local coffee and tea shops serving local craft coffee or tea.  They offer quality food and drinks, along with the perfect ambiance for you to enjoy and experience historic Downtown Sanford.  The Rosie Lee Co., Palate Coffee Brewing, and Wondermade are just some of the coffee and tea shops to visit in Sanford.  These shops have been in the city for years and have made the place truly remarkable.

Closing Thoughts

Contact a local tour guide for a more intimate visit to Downtown Stanford. A local guide can show you everything and more. The fascinating and “haunting” stories about haunted houses and buildings, those beautiful lamp posts, and tiled streets will dazzle you, together with the explanation of the sites. 

If you choose to explore independently, download the map and use our guide to navigate through the most popular spots.

Looking for more posts on things to do in Florida? Start here:

• 20 Best Places to Kayak in Florida
• Amphicar Disney Springs – The Most Unusual Attraction
• Cassadaga, Florida – The Psychic Capital Of The World
• Best Key West Beaches
• The Best Key West Beaches
• Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo – Florida’s Best Rodeo

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