Historic Downtown Sanford

As the county seat of Seminole County and home to the Sanford Airport, the town of Sanford is one of the older, more established communities in Central Florida. The area was originally settled in the 1830s during the Seminole Wars, and the town of Sanford was officially incorporated in 1877. Some of the oldest buildings in the business district date back to around 1887, when a fire burned down the original wooden structures.

Sanford has both a residential area and a downtown business district on the national registry of historic places, and the historic downtown district is now a popular location for locals to enjoy shopping and dining just a short distance from the shores of Lake Monroe. The clock tower at Magnolia Square is the focal point of this district, which includes businesses that have remained here for decades as well as new enterprises occupying old real estate.

Some of the more popular businesses located along First Street in downtown Sanford include Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe, featuring live German music and a beer hall atmosphere. Directly across the street kids can enjoy ice cream and crafts at Mama Loca's, and art lovers will appreciate the galleries that line this historic district.

In many ways, historic Sanford is a hidden gem in Central Florida, reminding locals and visitors alike that the region's history stretches beyond Orlando's establishment as the theme park capital of the world.