There's no shortage of ways to get outdoors and enjoy nature in Sanford, Florida. It's one of the best parts about living in this part of Central Florida. If you want to know how you can take advantage of the region's beautiful natural surroundings, keep reading for a guide to the best five attractions near Sanford, Florida.
Blue Spring State Park
For a truly unique experience, make the short 30-minute drive to visit the manatees at Blue Spring State Park during the winter. In the colder months, hundreds of the "gentle giants" flock to Blue Spring, where the waters always remain at 72 degrees. Since manatees have little fat and a slow metabolism, they need to stay in the warm waters to survive. The park watches the manatees closely to provide assistance if they become stressed in colder weather or suffer injuries.
You can view these wondrous creatures for yourself when you visit the park, which has a boardwalk where you can view them in their natural habitat. You may see the manatees swimming in the spring waters or socializing with one another. It's a one-of-a-kind experience you can only get in this part of Florida.
In addition to viewing the manatees, you're also likely to see a variety of birds at the park, including ospreys, eagles, and kingfishers. There's a hike you can take around the spring run, or you can head on the 4.5-mile Pine Island Trail for some additional exercise. The park also offers canoe and kayak rentals, or you can book a two-hour guided river cruise.
- Location: 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City.
- Hours: 8 a.m. to sundown daily.
Central Florida Zoo
One of the top attractions in Sanford, the Central Florida Zoo offers a fun day for the whole family. Located along Lake Monroe, the zoo houses over 350 animals and 100 different species. The private, nonprofit zoo also works to ensure the preservation and conservation of animals around the world.
At the Central Florida Zoo, you'll encounter various animals, ranging from rare species to local residents, like the Florida black bear and American alligator. You can hang with the Mexican spider monkeys or gaze up at the giraffes. Other animals at the zoo include amphibians, reptiles, and birds. As you walk through the zoo, you can also explore native Central Florida flora by walking through the gardens, including a butterfly garden and a health and wellness garden.
For older children (or adults) who want some extra thrills, the Central Florida Zoo also hosts various other attractions. Experience nature from new heights on the zipline course, or get up close and personal with the zoo's one-horned Indian rhino on a rhinoceros encounter. There's also a splash ground for kids included with the cost of zoo admission.
- Location: 3755 W. Seminole Boulevard, Sanford.
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Sanford RiverWalk
Take in sweeping views of Lake Monroe on the Sanford RiverWalk. This 5-mile, multiuse trail connects to various other trails, including the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail. It's the final stretch of a 26-mile loop that goes around the lake, offering gorgeous natural scenery. The RiverWalk also connects to historic downtown Sanford, where you can enjoy a bite of food or cold beverage at one of the many restaurants, breweries, or bars in the area.
The Sanford RiverWalk offers the perfect place to get outside and stretch your legs. You can walk, jog, or bike along the path. There are also plenty of spots where you can sit to enjoy the views. You can pack a picnic lunch to enjoy with your family or bring your fishing gear if you want some quiet and solitude. While you're on the trail, keep your eyes open for some natural Florida wildlife, including fish, birds, and alligators.
- Location: East Seminole Boulevard, Sanford, with parking at multiple spots along the trail.
- Hours: Open daily.
Fort Mellon Park
While you're on the RiverWalk, take the family to Fort Mellon Park. This idyllic park offers beautiful views of Lake Monroe with fun amenities for the kids. They'll enjoy using the playground, which includes slides, swings, and climbing structures for children ages 2 to 12. In the warmer summer months, they can cool off with the splash pad while you sit back and relax.
The park has several picnic tables and eight shaded pavilions, so you can bring sandwiches or snacks for the family. Other amenities at Fort Mellon Park include barbecue grills, basketball courts, water fountains, and restrooms. Whether you come to let the kids burn off some energy or make a quick stop while walking around the lake, you'll enjoy your trip to one of Sanford's best parks.
- Location: 600 E. First St., Sanford.
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from November through February and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. March through October.
Black Bear Wilderness Area
For prime wildlife watching, visit the Black Bear Wilderness Area. The 1,600-acre site in Seminole County is home to a variety of animals, including white-tailed deer, swallow-tailed kite, and - of course - the Florida black bear. You may also see other wildlife during your trip to Black Bear Wilderness Area, such as snakes, otters, and alligators. It's an ideal place to reflect and connect with nature.
At the Black Bear Wilderness Area, you can take a hike on the 7.1-mile loop trail, which follows the St. Johns River. The remote trail offers boardwalks to cross over wet areas, and some parts of the trail include uneven terrain. It's a fairly moderate hike, so make sure you wear good shoes and bring plenty of water. During the summer, bug spray is also a must. Along the trail, you'll enjoy stunning views of the river, marshes, and surrounding forests. It's also a popular place for bird-watching.
- Location: 5298 Michigan Ave., Sanford.
- Hours: Open from dawn to dusk daily.
Now you know more about five of the best attractions in Sanford, Florida, and the nearby area. How do you enjoy getting outdoors and soaking in the natural beauty of this area? Did we miss one of your favorite attractions? If so, contact us at Gibson Truck World so we can add it to our list. As a local Sanford business, we enjoy helping others learn more about this beautiful area we're lucky enough to call home. Check out our past blog posts to see more Sanford-area recommendations.
Manatee in Blue Spring by Gavin Baker is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0