Destination Guide
Discover Historic Downtown Sanford, FL
Gateway to adventure, culture, and Central Florida's best-kept secret
Historic Downtown Sanford was established in 1877. In the 1800s it was home to a U.S. Army post during the Seminole Wars, known as Ft. Mellon, and it was once renowned as the celery capital of the world. Today it is a global travel destination wrapped in brick-paved streets and buildings from the 1800s and 1900s.
Sanford sits on the waterfront of Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River, one of only two rivers in the world that flow north. Two blocks in any direction you will find award-winning restaurants, craft breweries, gastropubs, galleries, theaters, and a spectacular marina with fishing, boating, and dinner cruises. Best of all, you are just twenty minutes north of Orlando.
Explore
Things to Do
Craft Breweries
A walkable trail of breweries, gastropubs, and cocktail bars right downtown.
Riverwalk & Lake Monroe
Stroll the scenic Riverwalk along the lake at sunrise or sunset.
Fishing & Boating
Cast a line or set sail from Monroe Harbour Marina on the St. Johns River.
Restaurants
From The Original Christo’s to The Willow Tree Cafe, the dining is genuinely good.
Golf Cart Zone
The whole district is a golf cart zone, with free downtown cart transportation.
Street Festivals
Year-round events, concerts, art walks, and festivals fill the calendar.
Logistics
Getting Around
- Ride Lime, the free downtown Sanford golf cart service
- SunRail commuter train and the Amtrak Auto Train
- Uber, Lyft, and Lynx
- Bike rentals from Bikleta Bike Shop
Where to Stay
Our Sanford Properties
As Seen on HGTVThe Famous Houseboat
“Downtown Dharma”
An HGTV-famous floating houseboat on the St. Johns River in Historic Downtown Sanford.
Historic DowntownThe Shed
A lovingly updated 1910 bungalow steps from Downtown Sanford's restaurants, breweries, and lake.
Location
On the Map
Ready for Sanford?
Book your hideaway directly and keep the online travel agency fees in your pocket.