Historic Downtown Sanford: Address, Phone Number, Historic Downtown Sanford Reviews: 4.5/5
Historic Downtown Sanford
Historic Downtown Sanford
4.5
About
The Historic Downtown Sanford District in Central Florida is a global travel destination featuring award-winning restaurants, craft breweries, gastropubs, shopping, world-class events, street festivals, concerts, theaters, art galleries, and a spectacular marina featuring fishing, boating and dinner cruises.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
97 within 3 miles

The Corner Cafe
767
346 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Healthy

Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe
1,495
140 ft$$ - $$$ • German • Bar • European

The Breezeway Restaurant & Bar
363
108 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly

Sanford Brewing Company
145
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Brew Pub • Bar

The Original Christo's
223
417 ft$$ - $$$ • Italian • American • Pizza

The District
61
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegan Options • Gluten Free Options

St. Johns River Steak & Seafood
287
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood

The Old Jailhouse
53
452 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Vegan Options

The Colonial Room
97
160 ft$ • American • Diner

The Tennessee Truffle
78
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Attractions
36 within 6 miles

Wayne Dench Performing Arts Center
43
409 ftTheaters

Jeanine Taylor Folk Art
32
233 ftArt Galleries

Hollerbach's Art Haus
28
232 ftArt Galleries

Gallery On First
23
233 ftArt Galleries

Historic Sanford Welcome Center
21
260 ftVisitor Centers

Deviant Wolfe Brewery
17
0.1 miBreweries

Theatre West End
8
487 ftTheaters
Art Affair Gallery
3
409 ftArt Galleries

Loggerhead Distillery
4
0.1 miDistilleries

Sanford RiverWalk
97
0.3 miPiers & Boardwalks
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
396 reviews
Excellent
211
Very good
133
Average
34
Poor
14
Terrible
4
Barbara W
Lake County, FL373 contributions
After visiting the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford, my friend and I headed to downtown Sanford (about 4 miles away) for a bite to eat. We discovered a beautiful waterfront park and lots of places to eat, many with patio seating. We ate at the Breezeway (about a block away from the marina) and then had a drink at the St. John's Steak and Seafood Restaurant on the back deck overlooking the water. It was an idyllic day.
Written October 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tiffany A
Opp, AL1,817 contributions
If you love plants, superb landscaping, and well-maintained older homes, you must visit Sanford! There are also delicious, reasonably-priced, lively restaurants, a great selection of bars, bike tours, water activities, such a fun place!
My only regret about our visit is that it was so short. We stayed in Historic Craftsman house @ Park Place and if we'd never left the property, I'd still be in awe. But we did walk and drive around, and all of us want to visit again.
My only regret about our visit is that it was so short. We stayed in Historic Craftsman house @ Park Place and if we'd never left the property, I'd still be in awe. But we did walk and drive around, and all of us want to visit again.
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Louise M
Castle Rock, CO3,377 contributions
We spent an afternoon in Sanford when visiting our son. We walked up and down the main street, had lunch, visited a street fair and did some shopping. The flowers everywhere were beautiful and cheery. Small town feel was nostalgic, loved that there weren't a bunch of chain stores taking over.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SmileyBethanyBeach
Bethany Beach46 contributions
The downtown area is old, dirty looking, with very few attractions and a few average restaurants. If you are waiting to take the Auto Train, you can waste about 30 minutes walking around this somewhat run down area. Parking is easy, as there are no real crowds or interest points here. Downtown Sanford only survives because of the questionable attraction of the old Auto Trains Northward.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anything but this ... it's even laughable .. as we have multiple chef-driven award winning restaurants, 5 craft breweries with spectacular food and another one coming, an amazing craft distillery and another one coming, street festivals that draw tens of thousands, a free trolley, a golf cart zone, art galleries, two theaters, an amazing riverwalk unlike any other in all of Central Florida, river cruises, boating, fishing .... and some of the top craft beer and craft cocktail bars in the state!
There's a reason why travel shows from all over the world visit and cover us!
We encourage anyone reading this to come see for yourself how amazing our destination is! It's not just ok .. it's not just emerging ... we are amazing right now and far far far from dirty! Our city does an amazing job with theming the downtown for the season, keeping it clean with some gorgeous landscaping.
Swing and a miss! :)
Written January 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RICART75
Peru, IN1,681 contributions
Couples
We stopped in town several times during our 4 week Orlando stay; whenever passing through the area.
We spent one pleasant day enjoying the architecture, shops, trolley, dining and waterfront area. This is a wonderful place to visit for a day (or several); and have a relaxing and more local Florida experience.
Return visits, for us, were highly influenced by the Magnolia Square Market's offerings (especially the Nutella Creme roll).
We spent one pleasant day enjoying the architecture, shops, trolley, dining and waterfront area. This is a wonderful place to visit for a day (or several); and have a relaxing and more local Florida experience.
Return visits, for us, were highly influenced by the Magnolia Square Market's offerings (especially the Nutella Creme roll).
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ellen B
Hortonville, WI582 contributions
Couples
If you haven’t strolled around downtown Sanford, do so! We spent some leisurely time enjoying the scenery and soaking up the vibe of this charming, picturesque little town. We enjoyed our time here, even though most shops are closed on Monday. Go any other day of the week if you want to shop.
Written February 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andrew V
Altus, OK34 contributions
Friends
We were just killing time and walking with family friends and this was a great way to just chill and take a nice walk. Plenty of restaurants and bars if you need that thing. There's also a nice little distillery hidden away that makes some great vodka plus a pleasant little store front.
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
186400Caroline
Warwick, UK2,314 contributions
Friends
We came here many years ago and there was nothing to see or do. Pleasantly surprised this visit, lots of restaurants to choose from, a few shops. The buildings are lovely and each labelled with its history which is great for visitors. Plenty of free parking, worth a visit around a meal time .
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Greg I
Petersburg, MI1 contribution
Couples
Staying overnight near The Sanford airport to catch an early morning flight. Nothing of note near the hotel so went in to downtown Sanford. Pleasantly surprised by a very nice historic district with a number of good restaurant and entertainment options. Had drinks and dinner at the Breezeway with an excellent beer menu, music and some of the best food we had on our trip. Definitely worth the short drive if you’re in a similar situation.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bradziker1
Lake Mary, FL1,547 contributions
I spent some time walking about before my Ghost tour and was pleasantly surprised. A beautiful waterfront, interesting architecture for the buildings. There were placards explaining various buildings and sites that you could read to get a sense of history. The best thing was lots of free parking and spaces available.
Written September 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
My husband will be working at he power plant in Sanford. So we will be looking for a place to rent, and was wondering what areas to stay away from in downtown.
It's okay. Thanks though. I was trying to figure out if laurel avenue was a safe street. The house was really nice but wasn't sure about the area.
Anyone who lives in Sanford, FL would you weigh in on living there? We are potentially moving there because the housing costs are good, it is an up and coming city. Where we would like to live the homes are lovely; also the proximity to Lake Mary, Winter Park, Orlando, the parks, etc. Plus a Whole Foods and Trader Joe's and Planet Fitness nearby. We have talked to some of our potential neighbors and all are very happy but say there is still some crime to look out for but police are helpful and watchful. We would love some honest input. Thank you!
Manny G
Sanford, FL20 contributions
I have lived and worked in Lake Mary for 12 years - I lived in Orlando until it just because too much.
Yes, Sanford is awesome - Crime ? .. i mean, where is there not crime. I have never came across anything .. Treyvon Martin was an isolated incident which are with most crimes.
I live on the corner of Lake Mary Blvd and Sanford / Ronald Reagan avenue. I'm blocks away from the 417, Mall, Lake Mary, Longwood, etc.
The historic areas are nice but there are some areas that are a little shady especially when you get to 9th - 4th but everything is near by - St. Johns. New Smyrna is only about 35 miles away, they are building a 24 hr fitness on the corner of 17-92 and lake mary blvd.
The area where i mentioned i live - There are a bunch of new developments opening up, mid to high $200K
There is a Whole foods about 9 miles away in lake mary.
hope this helps - good luck
bren F
3 contributions
What do you recommend for a young couple visiting for a few hours?
I read about food trucks, is there any special event with them in may? (I mean if there is any day where there are more food trucks than often, or if streets are closed)
The food trucks are there once a month on the third Saturday.
They are on facebook under" Orlando food truck bazaar by the daily city ". Also on Saturdays ( every Saturday ), they have a farmer's market.
Marty T
10 contributions
Where is the best place to park for getting to the Christmas parade Dec 10, 2016?
George H
Melbourne, FL45 contributions
For this event you will need to just cruise the area starting on 4th Street up to 6th
I am not a resident of Sanford but I always find parking to be easy unless you have
physical restrictiond
Linda K
The Villages, FL3 contributions
what time do the shops and galleries open on Sunday? Thanks
MyTwoCent s
Orlando, FL451 contributions
Not sure. You might have to look up a few online to get a sense of it. Like most downtowns, I think hours are limited. I usually go on weekdays I take off from work and make it a lazy strolling day. I think the city of Sanford has a website that lists their shops. Sorry I don't know it offhand. Don't just hit the main drag - nice boutiques on the side streets, too. Have fun - good luck!
MrsBird_13
Lehigh Acres, FL72 contributions
Where would you recommend for a couple of days overnite stay, convenient (within walking distance) to the Riverwalk area.
T31SFD
Colorado Springs, CO40 contributions
I would definitely go for one of the Historic District B&B Higgins House the hotels downtown are not very nice at all. There is a good hotel out by the mall and I-4 (Springwood Suite) but it is 4-5 miles from the Riverwalk.
Frequently Asked Questions about Historic Downtown Sanford
- We recommend booking Historic Downtown Sanford tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 Historic Downtown Sanford tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Historic Downtown Sanford:
- (0.28 mi) Higgins House Victorian Bed and Breakfast
- (0.30 mi) BedderontheLake Houseboat. Amazing Location!!
- (0.32 mi) Monroe's On The Lake Hotel & Banquet Hall
- (0.38 mi) 2BR COTTAGE IN SANFORD HISTORIC DISTRICT
- (0.49 mi) Florida Farmhouse- Sanford Historic District
- Restaurants near Historic Downtown Sanford:
- (0.01 mi) Wondermade Cafe
- (0.01 mi) Zorba's Restaurant
- (0.01 mi) The Sullivan Public House
- (0.02 mi) The Breezeway Restaurant & Bar
- (0.03 mi) Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe
- Attractions near Historic Downtown Sanford:
- (0.01 mi) The Imperial at Washburn Imports
- (0.02 mi) Maya Books and Music
- (0.02 mi) Sanford Food Tours
- (0.02 mi) Antidote Apothecary & Spa
- (0.03 mi) Magpies