The historic district, centered on First Street, contains structures dating back to 1883 and includes a former office building and hotel erected in 1887 for railroad entrepreneur Henry B. Plant. With the addition in recent years of cafés, pubs, art galleries and antique shops, downtown Sanford has become a hipster hangout. A refurbished 1922 silent movie and vaudeville house at 201 S. Magnolia Avenue is home to the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, a venue for the theater's repertory company and other performance troupes; phone (407) 321-8111.
RiverWalk, a 2-mile pedestrian way skirting the lake north of the historic district, provides waterfront picnicking and recreation space.
Amtrak's Auto Train transports passengers and their cars to and from Lorton, Va. To reach the station, take SR 46 (I-4 exit 101C) east to 600 Persimmon Ave. Phone (800) 872-7245 for arrival information or reservations.
Visitor Centers
Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce 400 E. First St. Sanford, FL 32771. Phone:(407)322-2212
Shopping
First Street, in the downtown historic district, features a variety of shops with antiques, art, books and collectibles.
Self-guiding Tours
Brochures for walking tours of the historic district are available from the chamber of commerce.
Things to Do
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical GardensMuseum of Seminole County History
Recreational Activities