Surrounded by wild nature and only a half-hour drive from the centre of Orlando, there are lots of attractions you can explore when you rent a car in Sanford.
Discover wild nature along St. Johns River
Sanford sits between two waterways, Lake Monroe and Lake Jesup. Both lakes are part of the sprawling St. Johns River. Running 310 miles from Sanford into the sea at Jacksonville, St. Johns River is the longest river in Florida.
Visit the popular Little Big Econ State Forest – a 10,279-acre rugged park with a waterway that trails off into lush woodland. The Econlockhatchee River runs for 17 miles through the forest and floods into the wetlands when the water rises.
There are over 16 miles of walking and hiking trails you can experience throughout the park. Travel through oak-palm trees and pine woodlands, or hop into a canoe to paddle the eight miles of wetlands from Willingham Road to Snow Kill road. Overflowing with greenery, the park is also where you can catch a glimpse of over 160 bird species, including the bald eagle.
This protected ecosystem is not just used for recreational purposes. Parts of the park are used to grow crops and farm cattle.
Explore Sanford Museum
Take a sentimental look into the history of the area at the Sanford Museum. First opened in 1957, under a different name, Henry Shelton Sanford Memorial Library and Museum held just a small collection. Since then, exhibitions have grown, offering a real insight into local life and history.
See past yearbooks from the local schools and lost letters from residents, old street maps and transport blueprints, as well as photos of local celebrities and service people. This quaint museum is a great introduction to the area and gives you a good idea to how daily life has changed over the years.
Experience Central Florida Zoo
One of the most popular attractions is the Central Florida Zoo. Follow the trail around this park to see leopards, cougars, black bears, giraffes, cheetahs and sloths. There's also a range of birdlife, alligators, crocodiles and other reptiles.
The zoo also has an exceptional botanical garden with exotic flora. The garden includes an ancient fern collection and a health and wellness garden. There’s also a colourful butterfly garden with a carefully-selected plant range that attracts hummingbirds and bees.
Enjoy the local arts scene
Check the listings during your stay and you might be able to catch a show at the historic Wayne Densch Performing Arts Centre. Originally called the Ritz, it was renamed after receiving many donations from Wayne Densch and added to the US National Register of Historic Places in 2001. Enjoy plays, dance, tribute acts, films and more, with dining deals available for the full experience.
Alternatively, visit the unique Jeanine Taylor Folk Art, home to a gallery of truly individual modern folk art. It regularly hosts workshops and other events, alongside the shop that’s ideal for picking up some special souvenirs with a real connection to Florida.
Hire a car in Sanford and discover all these attractions and more across Florida at your own convenience.