Things to Do in Sanford

Things to Do in Sanford, FL - Sanford Attractions

Things to Do in Sanford

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Historic Downtown Sanford, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Kayaking Tours, Nature & Wildlife Areas. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Top Attractions in Sanford

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Family-friendly zoo nestled in lush native vegetation with shaded boardwalks, animal encounters, a splash pad for kids, and a unique zip line adventure.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

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

  • BzekeilaM
    Sanford, FL3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It's a perfect place for long walks with children . The marina and the many restaurants give you the family ambiance families look forward.
    Written July 22, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • xsteves
    so cal384 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A very pleasant walk with some animals around. Several were easy to see, cheetahs, giraffe, rhino. Others not so easy like the bear and the big alligator. They have a Japanese Lantern exhibit November through January. I was here during the day and the sculptures of all kinds of different animals were pretty fantastic. I imagine it in the evening it is spectacular.
    Written December 3, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tjka
    New Port Richey, FL53 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great place to see nature and see walk we saw lots of hogs and deer and the st John's river is pretty. 7.1 miles to walk took us about 3 hrs but worth it.
    Written December 30, 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.
  • The World is My Oyster
    Orlando, FL21,844 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.
  • glomarrone
    Cocoa Beach, FL2,705 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.
  • Arline Zatz
    Metuchen, NJ815 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.
  • GoingFarFarAway
    Tampa, FL557 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.
  • Jeanne M
    Orlando, FL63 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.
  • FLHarlock
    Tavares, FL4,944 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.
  • GrandmaPoppy
    South Daytona, FL190 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.
  • GOULET B
    EAST HAMPTON7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The whole Riverwalk has been redone and added to. The paved trail now goes for miles along the lake and is BEAUTIFUL! New benches, 4 seater swings, free parking and flowers, flowers everywhere are there for you to enjoy along the trail. Fort Mellon park is only one of the many parks in Sanford and it is a good one! Picnic tables, BBQ grills, swings and slides of course but it also has several structures for the kids to climb on. In the warmer months, sprinklers bubble up from under ground for cooling fun. And did I mention the view of Lake Monroe is Amazing!
    Written February 8, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members 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.
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