Historic Downtown Sanford
Historic Downtown Sanford
4.4
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.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Restaurants
119 within 3 miles
Attractions
79 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.4
401 reviews
Excellent
215
Very good
134
Average
34
Poor
14
Terrible
4
RICART75
Peru, IN2,516 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
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.
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara W
Lake County, FL350 contributions
Oct 2020
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiffany A
Opp, AL1,996 contributions
May 2021
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SmileyBethanyBeach
Bethany Beach42 contributions
Jan 2020
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
Dillon M
Los Angeles, CA1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Family
I just moved to Sanford and feel compelled to show some love for my new hood because the locals couldn’t have been nicer or more welcoming. I’m not too hyped on Orlando, but I am all about Sanford. It’s basically old meets new. A stellar contrast. Lake Monroe is a sight to behold and downtown is wildly eclectic. Extremely historic but lovingly maintained. Between all the independently owned shops and eateries, regular events, and an infrastructure that doesn’t make it impossible to get around on foot, Sanford is a mess of Florida fun. Warm weather + cool people = paradise.
Written July 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise M
Castle Rock, CO4,003 contributions
Aug 2021
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RICART75
Peru, IN2,516 contributions
May 2021 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellen B
Hortonville, WI1,432 contributions
Feb 2022 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew V
Altus, OK31 contributions
Jan 2020 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
186400Caroline
Warwick, UK2,738 contributions
Mar 2020 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
Written December 28, 2018
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.
Written December 29, 2018
A Tripadvisor member
St. Augustine, Florida
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!
Written November 1, 2017
I have lived and worked in Sanford since the summer of 1967 and I could not recommend a better place to live. The people are nice, the town is beautiful and is becoming better and better as a social setting. Yes there is some crime, but I have never been touched by it and have never felt in danger. Also, we are close to so many other areas and attractions that you might want to visit or shop at. I honestly believe that there is not a better place to call home.
Written November 2, 2017
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)
Written February 11, 2017
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.
Written May 7, 2017
Where is the best place to park for getting to the Christmas parade Dec 10, 2016?
Written December 10, 2016
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
Written December 12, 2016
what time do the shops and galleries open on Sunday? Thanks
Written May 7, 2016
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!
Written May 8, 2016
Where would you recommend for a couple of days overnite stay, convenient (within walking distance) to the Riverwalk area.
Written May 6, 2015
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.
Written May 7, 2015
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