Sanford Attractions

The Central Florida Zoo provides an educational family experience in a tropical world! The boardwalks and paths lead visitors past elephants, cheetahs, snakes, and into the Butterfly Sensory Garden. The Animal Adventure area allows visitors to feed and pet domestic animals. There are over 400 animals representing 126 species.

Originally known as the Sanford Zoo, it began in 1923 with a donation of animals. In 1975, the Central Florida Zoo opened in its present location.

The Museum of Seminole County History is housed in a building, built in 1926, that locals called "The County Home". The home served as a home for those without a home or anyone to care for them.

The camphor tree originated in China and is the second largest in Florida. The tree is believed to have been planted in the mid-1880's.

The museum has extensive research materials such as Sanford Herald and Seminole Herald newspapers, on microfilm.

Luncheon or dinner/dance cruises are offered along the St. John River in a 1940s style Great Lake steamer, the Rivership Romance.

The Sanford Museum highlights the city's history. Several rooms are dedicated to the city founder, Henry Shelton Sanford. These rooms contain his art collection, books and documents.

The Big Tree, also known as the Senator, is one of the largest cypress trees in the United States. It is estimated at 3,500 years old. It stands 138 ft high, a diameter of 17.5 ft and a circumference of 47 ft.