Location: Sanford
Top Things to do in Sanford
What to do and see in Sanford, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Sanford is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida and is the county seat of Seminole County. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 53,570.
Restaurants in Sanford
1. Downtown Sanford
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 302 reviews
Reviewed By Pnemiller - Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Historical area has interesting attractions. Walking tour maps, local museums, early homes and buildings, restaurants and a long trail along lakefront. Placards along lake and on buildings explain history of the area.
2. Gemini Springs Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By Gary S - DeBary, Florida
Went with my cousin and his wife to see the Manatees. Took the boat tour and walked along the river. They loved it.
3. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4 based on 623 reviews
Nestled in a protected natural wetland, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has animals from around the world including, rhinos, giraffes, leopards, monkeys, exotic birds, an Insect Zoo, and much more. Our Reptile House offers the southeast's largest collection of reptiles. We also offer live animal encounters, many educational opportunities and demonstrations, daily Keeper Chats and Shows, a Tropical Splash Playground, and the Little Florida Coastline Railroad and Animal Carousel. For a small fee, you can feed our giraffes, or go behind-the-scenes with our Indian rhinos! With something for everyone, the adventures are endless!
Reviewed By dreamer120 - Sanford, Florida
They don't have a lot of different animals, but they do have some cool, exotic animals like a black panther, Lion and Tiger, Monkeys, and even Lamas and goats. They also have a reptile display that is in a building. They also have giraffes, zebras and a few other desert animals. Really nice zoo for the size that it is! Only thing missing is the aquatic life but being in Florida, that's just down the road.
4. Sanford RiverWalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By mzbook - Sanford, Florida
walk or run along Lake Monroe on St. Johns River on the mileage-marked sidewalk. Read the informative signage about Sanford's history, sit on a bench swing and watch marine activity, stop for pizza/drinks along the way. Remember to stay "in your lane" as there are walkers and bikes sharing the way. It gets a bit smelly near the marina in the heat of summer, otherwise a very pleasant way to spend an hour or so.
5. Wayne Dench Performing Arts Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By Ivbp68 - Florida
Excellent experience at Wayne Dench Performing Arts Center! We attended Shrek Jr. yesterday and was unbelievable. The costumes, talent, production, direction, music, sound, location, organization, seating, visibility, food, drink, environment, temperature, PERFECT. We will continue to support as a family the WDPAC! Great location, affordable prices, free parking around and historical theater and city.
6. Black Bear Wilderness Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By sweetc786 - Sanford, Florida
It is a great trail for a beginner and nice for the more experienced. Lots of animals to observe in their natural habitat. I recommend for beginners like myself to wear a good pair of shoes because some parts are pretty narrow and the soil sandy so it is easy to slip. I definitely recommend going on this trail.
7. Gallery On First
Overall Ratings
5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Linda C - Longwood, Florida
This would be great in a big city, but it does great in this smaller town of Sanford as well. The gallery is unique in that it has individual galleries, which are also work spaces for the artists displaying and selling this art. Each individual area is unique to the artist, in it's make up, the manner of display, the furniture and other items...a really revealing look at the individual beyond the artist and it is a treat for those of us not so gifted to see how the creative process evolves. The art ranges from modern to landscape and all manner of things between.
In addition there are workshops, classes in watercolor, drawing and painting for both adults and children. They also offer guest artists exhibitions and meeting space.
I enjoy all my visits here, seeing new artists, shows---they also usually have opening receptions which are generally for a fee, while the gallery generally is free admission. I like to visit the individual spaces, especially when the artists are present as you get insight into their art work, or sometimes just a great conversation on whatever.
8. Jeanine Taylor Folk Art
Overall Ratings
5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Linda C - Longwood, Florida
This Shop shares the same building as the Gallery on First....but it is dedicated to folk art and sets in the center of the building....It features exhibits by various artist throughout the year and exhibits change regularly. According to Wikipedia: " folk art is primarily utilitarian and decorative rather than purely aesthetic."
Jeanine is usually there and can advise you on the art or just introduce her best friend and doggie companion who is the best dog ever at least in my opinion...
Jeanine has a new exhibit opening in May (2017) on the 20th "Hair of the Dog" Remorse, Reminders, Resistance featuring works by Matt Sesow with an opening reception at 6-9 pm on the 20th where you can talk to the artist live on Skype at 7 pm..
I especially love her Halloween shows with many folk art items for the holidays for sale. The shop which is on 1st Street in Sanford has a great outside (artistic and unusual)---check out pictures as well as inside and you're welcome to just stop in and view---no pressure to buy anything....but sales area always appreciated.
9. Katie's Wekiva River Landing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Self-guided canoe trips in serene natural setting.
Reviewed By Ana V - Casselberry, Florida, United States
I remember when Katie's was renting canoes, once upon a time. The park remained and after many years, it was given a beautiful facelift. Parking was added and still kept the canoe launch. Great for fishing from shore, birding, watching gators and otters and all kinds of critters. So good to have some old Florida still around. Conveniently located to civilization but you're a world away at Katie's Landing.
10. Wops' Hops Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Opened in October 2014, Wop's Hops Brewing Company is Sanford's first brewery. We are located in the historic district of the City of Sanford and just blocks away from the beautiful Lake Monroe and the St. Johns river. We have a tasting room, dog friendly beer garden, restaurant and we are family friendly.
Reviewed By Scott M - Davie, Florida
What a great atmosphere. It's a small 3 barrel system, which is homey compared to the 15 and 30 barrel system coming in most local breweries. They have many beers on tap, with exceptional variety. Several were unique, like a green key lime, most were excellent. All were fun. Out side they have tables and cornhole. Great place.
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