DayVenture 13: Let’s Go Sanfording
As the locals say, “Let’s Go Sanfording.”
A vibrant, quietly unique city tucked just below the bridge — at the edge of Seminole County, where the pace slows, the sun feels a little brighter, and adventure shows up without asking for much.
Sanford’s downtown is walkable in a way that invites you to slow down. We found ourselves lingering longer than planned – not because there was more to see, but because there was no rush.
Come — let’s go Sanfording.
SunRail to Sanford Station
Start by hopping aboard the SunRail, letting the gentle rhythm of the train ease you out of your weekday brain and into weekend mode.
✨ Why this leg matters:
- You skip the I-4 stress and roll straight into Sanford with your shoulders already relaxed.
- The station’s location feels tucked-away and peaceful — like you’re arriving at the edges of something historic.
- The moment you step off, the air feels different: quieter, breezier, more rooted.
From the station, it’s a short ride via free shuttle or ride-share to downtown Sanford, where the day truly begins.
To be clear – this isn’t another post about seeing everything Sanford has to offer — it’s about letting a day unfold without rushing it.
Shall we then? 🙂
Lunch with a View: Hollerbach’s Rooftop Biergarten
Few places capture Sanford’s personality like Hollerbach’s — a joyful, welcoming mashup of German comfort food, polka energy, and Florida sunshine.
Head straight up to the rooftop biergarten.
✨ Dayventure highlight:
- Pretzels bigger than your face
- Beers that sparkle golden in the sun
- Rooftop seating with a view of historic downtown’s pastel rooftops
- Lively, happy energy — whether you’re solo, with friends, or with family
Tour Sanford’s Historic District
If you’re more a solo wanderer, you can stroll the Downtown Commercial Historic District by stepping right outside Hollerbach’s. For the full experience, book the official walking tour. Alternatively, grab an easy bike rental (both regular and electric), and breeze through the Queen Anne and Craftsman style wonders of the Sanford Residential Historic District. Mind the cobblestone!
✨ Highlights to look for:
- Brick-lined streets
- 19th-century storefronts with iron details
- Colorful cottages with deep porches
- Murals sprinkled between restored buildings
As you roam, you get that small-town Florida feeling:
breezy, laid-back, and touched with nostalgia.
It’s the kind of place where you imagine yourself living in another decade — a slower one.
Where to Pause: Park Benches at Park on Park
Under two large live oaks, sits two cozy benches inside of the large playground at Park on Park, a beautiful public park snug into the Sanford Historic District.
Sit down and take in the view. Breath deep, enjoy the moment.
If you’ve brought the kiddos, enjoy a few personal moments of peace the two story playground will bring you.
Sweet Ending: Wondermade Homemade Marshmallows & Ice Cream
No Dayventure is complete without something sweet, and Wondermade is a Sanford staple known for its handcrafted, pillowy marshmallows and small-batch ice cream.
✨ Why this is the perfect final feature:
- Marshmallows in flavors like bourbon, honey, lavender, or key lime
- Ice cream that tastes like childhood summers
- A cute storefront that’s great for photos
- A fun “treat-yourself” moment before heading home
- Easy walk from the historic district and back toward your pickup point
Heading Home: SunRail Sunset Ride
As the day winds down, catch the SunRail back toward home.
The return ride feels hushed, golden, and peaceful — the same way Sanford feels when the breeze comes off Lake Monroe and the shadows grow long.
Sanford felt like the kind of place I’d come back to — not to do more, but to do less.
The Wrap Up:
You saw history.
You tasted something new.
You wandered somewhere beautiful.
And now you’re headed back, a little lighter, a little more connected.
This is what a Dayventure is all about.
