About SanfordOn Lake Monroe at the head of navigation on the St. Johns River, Sanford was established as a trading post in 1837. Gen. Henry R. Sanford bought 12,000 acres, including the townsite, in 1871 and established citrus groves.
The historic district, centered on First Street, contains structures dating back to 1883 and includes a former office building and hotel erected in 1887 for railroad entrepreneur Henry B. Plant. With the addition in recent years of cafés, pubs, art galleries and antique shops, downtown Sanford has become a hipster hangout. A refurbished 1922 silent movie and vaudeville house at 201 S. Magnolia Avenue is home to the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, a venue for the theater's repertory company and other performance troupes; phone (407) 321-8111.
RiverWalk, a 2-mile pedestrian way skirting the lake north of the historic district, provides waterfront picnicking and recreation space.
Amtrak's Auto Train transports passengers and their cars to and from Lorton, Va. To reach the station, take SR 46 (I-4 exit 101C) east to 600 Persimmon Ave. Phone (800) 872-7245 for arrival information or reservations.
Visitor Centers Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce 400 E. First St. Sanford, FL 32771. Phone:(407)322-2212
ShoppingFirst Street, in the downtown historic district, features a variety of shops with antiques, art, books and collectibles.
Self-guiding ToursBrochures for walking tours of the historic district are available from the chamber of commerce.
Things to Do Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Museum of Seminole County History
Recreational Activities
Ziplines Seminole Aerial Adventures
Sanford, FL
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Best Western Plus Sanford Airport/Lake Mary3401 S Orlando Dr. Sanford, FL 32773
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SpringHill Suites by Marriott-Orlando North/Sanford201 N Towne Rd. Sanford, FL 32771
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