Between Orlando & Daytona Beach Is A Laid-Back Riverfront City With A Walkable Downtown & Family Fun

Typically, Orlando and its theme parks are the main attractions for visitors to Central Florida. Although there's more to Orlando than theme parks, it's also worth checking out the towns and suburbs surrounding it. In fact, if you head about half an hour north, you'll run into the city of Sanford, which sits at the edge of Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River. Being so close to these bodies of water provides the city with a unique vibe, especially as you stroll along the riverwalk district. 

But you don't have to be a fan of lakes and rivers to enjoy a visit to Sanford. Even though it doesn't have any world-famous theme parks, the city still offers some unique attractions. For animal lovers, there's the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. For those who prefer indoor activities, Sanford has a few museums and family fun centers where you can jump, play, bowl, and even practice your shooting skills. 

One of the best ways to experience a new city is to explore its downtown area. Fortunately, Sanford has a vibrant, walkable downtown next to the RiverWalk district, so you can easily spend an entire day (or two) taking in the sights. The RiverWalk itself spans nearly five miles, starting at Mellonville Avenue. 

If you really want to stretch your legs, the RiverWalk connects to the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail, which covers 210 miles and connects the Space Coast to St. Petersburg. Otherwise, if you prefer to stay more local, one highlight is the marina island, which features event venues, restaurants, and the docking station for the St. Johns Rivership Company. If you've ever wanted to take a riverboat tour, here is where you can book a seat on various lunch and dinner cruises.  

Although you can walk through the rest of downtown Sanford, the city provides a free trolley service Monday through Saturday. This way, you can spend more time sightseeing and less time getting between points of interest. Besides the marina, other highlights of this district include Sanford Museum, where you can learn more about the city's past, as well as the historic Ritz Theater and Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, which was built in 1923 and features live music and entertainment. If you just need a place to sit and relax while your kids play, Fort Mellon Park offers a playground and splash pad. 

When looking at the map, you'll notice that Sanford technically has its own international airport, Orlando Sanford International Airport. However, it serves airlines like Allegiant, Arajet, and BermudAir, so it may not work for your travel plans. Instead, it's probably best to fly into Orlando International, which is about 40 minutes south of Sanford. Alternatively, if you want to add a bit of adventure to your trip, you can fly in or out of Daytona Beach, an old-school American city with attractions that feel stuck in the 1980s. It's only about 50 minutes north, so you're not adding much extra time, but you get to explore more of the state. Sanford also has a variety of hotel and vacation rental options.  

As we mentioned, you don't have to look far to discover family-friendly entertainment in Sanford. Outside of the lake and the river, the main attraction is the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, which also happens to sit along Lake Monroe. Here, you can come face to face with various reptiles, big cats, a one-horned rhino, and many other species. The zoo also hosts themed events throughout the year to make your visit even more enjoyable. There are also a VR experience and a splash pad. 

If you prefer to stay indoors while having fun, Elev8 is a great option for all ages. This amusement center features an arcade, an indoor go-kart track, mini-golf, laser tag, and a ropes course. Finally, for adults who want to test their shooting skills, Decision Tactical allows you to practice your aim in a variety of simulated environments.