Sanford, Florida, enjoys an ideal location along Lake Monroe. Though Sanford is just 30 minutes from Orlando and less than an hour from Daytona Beach, you don't have to leave the city to enjoy outstanding attractions. The area offers a wide variety of highlights for everything from a night of theater-going to a day of adventure on the water. Here are our top picks for fun in Sanford.
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens
The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens offer a fun-filled day for visitors of all ages. You can view over 350 animals of more than 100 species, including the cougar, Amur leopard, mongoose lemur, North American river otter, greater one-horned rhinoceros, black-handed spider money, giraffe, bald eagle, eastern screech owl, Jamaican boa, and much more.
The zoo also offers an abundance of attractions, including a splash pad, petting zoo, and zip line course. Keeper chats provide the opportunity to learn about these animals in depth. For an added fee, you can even book a private experience like a giraffe feeding or rhinoceros encounter.Â
Since there's an inextricable connection between our planet's plant and animal life, this destination features several stunning botanical gardens interspersed among the animal enclosures. You can view the butterfly garden, fern collection, health and wellness garden, bromeliad collection, and more.
Location:Â 3755 W. Seminole Blvd, Sanford
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
St. Johns Rivership Co.
Head out onto the picturesque St. Johns River on one of the memorable St. Johns Rivership Co. cruises. Cruises depart from the port on Lake Monroe in Historic Downtown Sanford almost daily.  You can take a laid-back lunch cruise, dinner dance cruise, or rockin' on the river party cruise.Â
Every trip includes a gourmet entree and live entertainment. The lunch cruises begin with a fruit and vegetable tray and signature sticky buns. On the dinner cruises, your meal starts with a shrimp cocktail, pasta salad, and a fruit and vegetable platter. The entrees include a variety of mouthwatering options like chicken marsala, prime rib, or salmon fillet. Your ticket includes coffee and tea with access to a fully stocked cash bar serving additional options.
The air-conditioned interior provides a pleasant climate at any time of the year. Outside the ship, you may spot alligators, manatees, turtles, egrets, herons, and more, depending on the weather and season.
Location:Â 433 N. Palmetto Ave, Sanford
Hours:Â Cruise schedules vary; Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to noon Sunday
The Ritz Theater
The Ritz Theater is a historic Sanford staple that's hosted outstanding entertainment for a century. The theater features everything from film screenings to live music, theater, and dance. This is the perfect local destination for a date night, paired with dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants. You can even rent the theater out for your own private events, including parties, weddings, and cinema presentations.
Location:Â 201 S. Magnolia Ave, Sanford
Hours:Â Box office hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 2 hours prior to shows
Deviant Wolfe Brewing
The Deviant Wolfe taproom is conveniently located in downtown Sanford, within easy walking distance of the waterfront and surrounding shops. You can sample a variety of delicious local brews here. Try the Iron Blend for easy drinking, or indulge in the Bitter Memories if you're craving a piney IPA. The Nefarious Nebulas, prepared with traditional German hops, has a distinct wheat flavor. If you prefer a rich dessert taste, try the Besitos de Coco with notes of vanilla and toasted coconut.Â
Deviant Wolfe Brewing offers a small menu with options like soft pretzel sticks, quesadillas, and sandwiches. You're also welcome to bring in food from any of the surrounding restaurants and dine at Deviant Wolfe while you enjoy the brews.Â
Location:Â 121 W 1st Street, Sanford
Hours:Â 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 7 p.m. Sunday
Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park
Sitting along four miles of the Blackwater Creek and Wekiva River, the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park provides the perfect destination for canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. Set off from Katie's Landing on the Wekiva River. You can explore for 17 miles before hitting the St. Johns River. The Wekiva River is one of just two National Wild and Scenic Rivers in the state of Florida.Â
Katie's Landing doesn't offer watercraft rentals, but with the right new truck, you can easily bring your own. The landing has restrooms, picnic tables, and grills nearby for your convenience. Bring plenty of water, food, and insect repellant.
You can also explore the Sand Hill Nature Trail and take in the area's diverse natural sights on foot. Alligators, river otters, wood storks, sandhill cranes, and even black bears reside around the park. If you're looking for an equestrian adventure, the Fechtel Tract can accommodate horseback riding. The park even offers an equestrian campground complete with horse stalls and corrals.
Location:Â 262 Wekiva Park Drive, Sanford
Hours:Â 8 a.m. to sunset daily
Red Hill Groves
Red Hill Groves is a sprawling citrus farm that serves delicious eats in several forms. In the farm store, you'll find an abundance of citrus fruit that may include oranges, tangerines, mandarins, grapefruit, and pecans, depending on the season. You'll also find a selection of Florida candies and jellies as an added treat.
Red Hill Groves also serves hot food; that's the talk of the town. You'll find pulled pork, beef brisket, and baby back ribs. Pair your selection with sides like potato salad, mac and cheese, baked beans, or hoppin' john. If you can save room for dessert, you'll find options like key lime pie and cinnamon rolls.
Location:Â 7218 County Road 427, Sanford
Hours:Â 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
These are our favorite attractions in the Sanford area. Do you know of a local highlight that we missed? Contact our team at Gibson Truck World and let us know so we can update your listing. We love having the best suggestions in town so we can always point our customers in the right direction when they head off the lot.
Image by Priscilla Du Preez is licensed with Unsplash License