A historic river town on Lake Monroe, about 34 miles north of Lake Nona on SR 417, with a brick-street downtown and a lakefront trail.
Sanford is a historic city on the south shore of Lake Monroe in Seminole County, about 34 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center. Nearly the whole drive from Lake Nona is on SR 417, which runs north to Sanford as the GreeneWay and then the Seminole Expressway. Downtown Sanford is a national historic district of brick streets and restored buildings next to the lake. The Sanford RiverWalk is a paved lakefront trail that runs for several miles along Lake Monroe. Sanford is also home to Orlando Sanford International Airport and the southern terminal of Amtrak's Auto Train.
Sanford was a steamboat port on the St. Johns River long before Orlando was a city, and its downtown still shows it: brick streets, restored storefronts and a lakefront that opens onto Lake Monroe. Over the last decade it has also become one of Central Florida's craft-beer and dining destinations.
This guide is written for people weighing a move to Lake Nona. It covers how far Sanford is, what there is to do and how it connects to Lake Nona.
How far is Sanford from Lake Nona?
Sanford is about 34 driving miles north of Lake Nona Town Center, and nearly the whole trip is on SR 417.
From Lake Nona you take SR 417 north. It becomes the Seminole Expressway past the Orange County line and runs to Sanford's southern edge, so the trip avoids I-4. SR 417 is a toll road, so an E-PASS or SunPass is worth having. Downtown parking is mostly free street parking and public lots.
| Distance from Lake Nona Town Center | About 34 miles |
|---|---|
| Main route | SR 417 north (toll) |
| Downtown | Historic district on Lake Monroe |
| Also in Sanford | Orlando Sanford International Airport; Amtrak Auto Train terminal |
What is there to do in downtown Sanford?
Downtown Sanford is a walkable historic district of restaurants, breweries, bars and local shops, a few blocks from the lake.
The downtown is roughly eight blocks square and listed as a national historic district, with brick streets and restored late-1800s and early-1900s buildings. It has become known for its craft breweries and independent restaurants, including a food hall in a historic train depot. Just south of downtown, Sanford's residential historic district has hundreds of homes built between the 1880s and the 1920s, and it makes a good walk after lunch.
What is the Sanford RiverWalk?
The Sanford RiverWalk is a paved walking and biking trail that runs for several miles along the south shore of Lake Monroe.
It connects downtown with the lakefront parks, including Fort Mellon Park, which has playgrounds and a splash pad. Lake Monroe is part of the St. Johns River, so the trail is a good place to see wading birds and, on calm days, the river's slow current. Kayaking and boat tours on the St. Johns and the nearby Wekiva River make Sanford a good base for a day outdoors.
Is the Central Florida Zoo worth the trip from Lake Nona?
For families with younger children, yes: the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford is home to hundreds of animals and is Seminole County's largest attraction.
It is smaller and calmer than the big theme-park animal attractions, which suits a half day with young children. Combining the zoo in the morning with lunch downtown and a walk on the RiverWalk makes an easy full day.
How does Sanford connect to Lake Nona for travel?
Sanford has two travel links that matter to Lake Nona residents: Orlando Sanford International Airport and Amtrak's Auto Train to the Washington, D.C., area.
Most Lake Nona residents fly from Orlando International Airport, which is minutes away. Orlando Sanford International Airport serves some low-cost carriers and routes that MCO does not. The Auto Train carries passengers and their cars between Sanford and Lorton, Virginia, which is popular with seasonal residents and people moving to Florida. Sanford is also on the SunRail line; see our SunRail guide.
How does Sanford fit alongside Lake Nona's other nearby day trips?
Sanford is the northernmost of the historic small-town day trips from Lake Nona, beyond Winter Park and Downtown Orlando.
Winter Park and Downtown Orlando are closer to Lake Nona, and Mount Dora is to the northwest. See the Explore Orlando hub for the full list.
Pros, Cons and Our Take
Pros
- Nearly the whole drive is on SR 417, with no I-4.
- A walkable historic downtown with a strong brewery and restaurant scene.
- A long lakefront trail on Lake Monroe for walking and biking.
- The zoo, river tours and kayaking make it a good family or outdoor day.
Cons
- About 34 miles each way, with SR 417 tolls.
- Downtown is compact, so it is more a half-day or relaxed full day than a packed itinerary.
- Summer heat on the RiverWalk makes the cooler months the better time for walking.
- Sanford's airport is less convenient than MCO for most Lake Nona trips.
Our Take
Sanford rewards people who like old Florida: a river town with real history, a lakefront trail and a downtown that has come back to life without losing its character. Because SR 417 runs almost from Lake Nona's doorstep to Sanford, it is an easier trip than the mileage suggests. It pairs well with the zoo for families, or with a brewery crawl for adults.
What the Neighbors Know
For Lake Nona residents, Sanford is a straight run up SR 417, the same road many already use every day. It is a good choice when visitors want to see something beyond the theme parks. If you use SR 417 often, factor quick access to it into your comparison of Lake Nona neighborhoods.
Official Sources
- City of Sanford
- Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
- Orlando Sanford International Airport
- Amtrak Auto Train
- Central Florida Expressway Authority (SR 417 tolls)
Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Sanford from Lake Nona?
About 34 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center. Nearly the whole trip is on SR 417, a toll road, which runs north to Sanford.
What is the Sanford RiverWalk?
The Sanford RiverWalk is a paved walking and biking trail that runs for several miles along the south shore of Lake Monroe, connecting downtown Sanford with its lakefront parks.
Where does the Amtrak Auto Train go from Sanford?
The Auto Train runs between Sanford, Florida, and Lorton, Virginia, near Washington, D.C., carrying passengers and their vehicles.
Is downtown Sanford a historic district?
Yes. Downtown Sanford is a national historic district of brick streets and restored buildings next to Lake Monroe.
