Just 30 minutes north of Orlando, historic downtown Sanford is one of Central Florida's most underrated day trips. Brick-lined streets, a gorgeous riverwalk on Lake Monroe, a legit craft beer scene, and some of the best German food in the state. Here...
Map
An easy, shady walk-through zoo right off I-4 on Lake Monroe — the giraffe feedings and the insect house are my kids' favorites. Go early before the Florida heat kicks in.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
The heart of downtown Sanford — order the schnitzel, grab a liter of German beer, and stay for the live music and stein-holding contests on weekends. It's a whole vibe.
Hollerbach's German Restaurant
Housed in the old firehouse with great smoked wings and a rotating tap list. Their MangoLandia blonde ale is the perfect Florida-heat beer.
Sanford Brewing Company
Right across the street from Sanford Brewing, so it's an easy two-stop beer crawl. Small-batch brews, a laid-back beer garden, and the friendliest regulars in town.
Wop's Hops Brewing Company
Upscale-casual dining inside Sanford's actual 1890s jail — ask for the story behind the cells. Great cocktails and the shrimp and grits are the move.
The Old Jailhouse Kitchen & Spirits
Third stop on the downtown beer crawl — creative small-batch stuff you won't find anywhere else, right on 1st Street. Their sours and stouts get weird in the best way.
Deviant Wolfe Brewing
Big lakefront park with a great splash pad and playground — perfect for burning off kid energy before or after lunch downtown. The Lake Monroe views at sunset are free entertainment.
Fort Mellon Park
A flat, breezy paved trail along Lake Monroe that connects right to downtown — rent a bike or just stroll it. Early morning is best for spotting ospreys and the occasional gator sunning across the lake.
Sanford Riverwalk
A restored 1920s theater right in the historic district with live shows, comedy, and classic film nights. Check their calendar before you plan your trip — dinner downtown plus a show here is a perfect evening.
The Ritz Theater/Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center
Bringing the dog along? This shaded off-leash park under the oaks is one of the oldest dog parks in Central Florida, and it's a two-minute drive from downtown.
