From natural adventures to historic treasures, there’s a lot more to like.
It’s true that the other side of Orlando is a great place for R&R, but when you’re ready for excitement, we’re ready to please. Here, you can take a thrilling airboat ride through thousands of acres of pristine nature, with spectacular sights as only Mother Nature can provide. Yes, nature is your awe-inspiring hostess here, whether you’re canoeing through crystal-clear natural springs, enjoying a cruise along the beautiful St. Johns River, chartering a captain to put you on the fish, horseback riding on scenic trails, or meeting the Senator – a 3,500 year-old cypress tree. Step back in time at one of our many museums or historic districts filled with fascinating architecture. Or for a truly quirky adventure, visit Flea World for hundreds of booths and circus acts. Artistic performances, a zoo, a rock-climbing center, go-kart rides, greyhound racing – it’s all here, too.
You’ll also be minutes from Orlando’s theme parks, and nearby Daytona Beach or Florida’s famed Space Coast make the perfect day trip.
Here are some of Seminole County’s best attractions.
AIRBOAT TOURS
Guided nature tours leaving from points east of Orlando/Sanford on the St. Johns River; daily by appointment. Personal attention from an experienced guide, a U.S. Coast Guard licensed Master Captain.
Experience the thrill of an airboat ride on beautiful Lake Jesup in Oviedo, Florida. Situated in a beautiful rural setting on Lake Jesup. Ten thousand acres large and over 100,000 years old, Lake Jesup flows directly into the St. Johns River. It is home to some of Florida's most unique wildlife. See beautiful foliage, alligators, eagles, osprey, and many types of wildlife in their natural habitat. Lake Jesup is anthropologically rich and has been researched by at least 3 major universities. Don't forget your camera, Lake Jesup has the highest population of alligators of any lake in Florida. It is sure to be a thrilling ride. Call for detailed directions.
Custom kayaking, wildlife watching and fishing trips.
An exciting new adventure awaits you at Central Florida Airboat Tours. Located one hour from Orlando attractions, operating out of Jolly Gator Fish Camp, you can board an airboat and travel into the heart and soul of Lake Jesup and Lake Harney.
AMUSEMENT PARKS
Fun World is a family amusement park featuring go-karts, bumper boats, bumper cars, miniature golf, 15 adult rides and 8 kiddie rides, a 250 game arcade, a birthday party restaurant and more.
HISTORICAL INTERESTS
The Bradlee-McIntyre House was built about 1885 and is the only surviving "cottage" in Orange and Seminole counties. It is typical of the flamboyant houses of the Victorian Period.
This beautifully restored historic Vaudeville Theatre hosts a wide range of performances: plays, musicals, ballets, operas, recitals, pageants, and lectures.
Located just four miles south of Sanford across from Flea World on Highway 17/92, this intimate museum offers a glimpse at Seminole County's agricultural history as well as life of days gone by showcasing a vast collection of period antiques, historical photographs and exhibits of early Florida agriculture and transportation. Hours: 9am - 5pm, Monday through Friday, and 9am - 4pm on Saturdays.
In 1870 General Henry Shelton Sanford, former Minister to Belgium, purchased 12,535 acres of land and laid out his namesake community. General Sanford arranged for a colony of Swedes to settle the area, work an orange grove and experiment with fruits and flowers from all over the world. The first county fair was held in 1881 on land donated by General Sanford. The Sanford Museum allows one to step back in time and visit the family of General Sanford as well as get a glimpse of life in Seminole County in the late 1800s. Donations are accepted. Special exhibits on local sports history.
Seminole County School Museum is the fourth oldest school in continuous use in Florida, and the first high school in what was then Orange County. The Student Museum and Center for Social Studies is an interpretative center and teaching museum. The Museum is open to the public weekdays from 1:30-4:00 pm.
NATURE ACTIVITIES
You will see natural vegetation and marsh lands as you make your way on the boardwalk to "The Senator", the park's main attraction a 3,500 year old Bald Cypress. This is recognized as Florida's "Big Tree". Facilities include a boardwalk, picnic tables, and restrooms.
Connect with nature in just a few hours. Stroll along winding pathways to encounter 100's of mammals, reptiles and birds close-up. Weekend animal programs. A favorite for kids of all ages.Little Big Econ State Forest has an abundance of recreation opportunities including canoeing, fishing, and trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.
TOUR the Butterfly Encounter Exhibit Buildings,
an irresistible atmosphere of
classical music, bubbling water and
hundreds of flying butterflies and flowering
plants. Leading into the butterfly farm where
caterpillars and chrysalises live and hatch right before your eyes!
These buildings, meticulously designed and researched
around the world, were reproduced and scaled to house
a balance of butterflies, eggs and larvae.
Stroll through the spectacular outdoor butterfly garden
for inspiration for your own backyard.
Not only a fun hobby, butterfly farms are preventing
rain forest and endangered habitat destruction worldwide
by providing income for farmers in rural areas, which
would otherwise be cleared for growth.
an irresistible atmosphere of
classical music, bubbling water and
hundreds of flying butterflies and flowering
plants. Leading into the butterfly farm where
caterpillars and chrysalises live and hatch right before your eyes!
These buildings, meticulously designed and researched
around the world, were reproduced and scaled to house
a balance of butterflies, eggs and larvae.
Stroll through the spectacular outdoor butterfly garden
for inspiration for your own backyard.
Not only a fun hobby, butterfly farms are preventing
rain forest and endangered habitat destruction worldwide
by providing income for farmers in rural areas, which
would otherwise be cleared for growth.
Guided horseback tours on scenic trails filled with Florida wildlife.
With almost 6,900 acres of wild scenery, Wekiwa Springs State Park offers an opportunity to see how central Florida looked when the Timicuan Indians speared fish in the spring-fed creeks and stalked deer in the uplands. Canoe rentals are available and a concession provides refreshments. The picnic area, playground and family camping area provide electric and water hook-ups, restroom and dump station. A primitive camping area is available for youth groups. Group camp with cabins, meeting hall and dining facility can be used by groups engaged in conservation of environmental activities. For the more adventurous, two backpacking campsites are located along 13 miles of hiking trail.
ON THE WATER
Phone: 1-800-241-5314
Eddie has been guiding his clients to some of the greatest largemouth bass fishing for over 28 years. He has spent many years on the St. John's River, The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, and the Butler Chain of Lakes. He now uses that knowledge and experience to make sure that his clients not only catch fish, but have a wonderful and FUN day. Writers often fish with Eddie to get a good background for their stories. "Catch a Memory" will take on a new meaning after a day on the beautiful waters of Central Florida.
Enjoy bass or flats fishing on central Florida's pristine lakes, rivers, bays and lagoons. Relax on a scenic tour of Florida's wetlands and forests.
531 N. Palmetto Avenue
'A' Dock
Sanford, FL 32771
Phone: (407) 330-0633 or 1-866-320-SAIL
Fax: (407) 330-0788
Come discover the Joy of Sailing. Fun Maritime Academy uses the highest quality boats. Instructors are certified by the American Sailing Association and US Sailing. All study materials are included and ASA certification is awarded upon successful completion of most courses.
Fun Maritime also offers boat rentals! Rent a runabout or pontoon boat for a lazy trip up the river or to see the sights on the lake.
Fun Maritime also offers boat rentals! Rent a runabout or pontoon boat for a lazy trip up the river or to see the sights on the lake.
Quality guided fishing trips and outdoors adventures. Captain Tom provides a wide range of camping and light tackle saltwater and freshwater fishing charters.
433 North Palmetto Avenue
Sanford, FL 32771
Phone: (407) 321-5091
Price Range: $$$$ ($30+ average per person)
Relax and dine while cruising the historic St. Johns River. Entertainment, menu selection, unsurpassable hospitality. Climate controlled. Reservations required.
2100 W. French Ave.
(Blue Springs State Park)
Orange City, FL 32763-9510
Phone: (407) 330-1612
Experience Florida's natural destination on the St. Johns River at Blue Springs State Park. Two-hour interactive narration by captain aboard the custom-built 49-passenger pontoon boat Native II. Two tours daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 365 days weather permitting. All captains and boats licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard. Will allow well behaved pets at staff's discretion.
Wonderful, nature-filled canoeing and fishing. Experience the true state of Florida.
Canoe the beautiful Wekiwa River. Designated "Scenic & Wild" as well as a State Canoe Trail. Guided trips and canoes also provided.
SPORTS ATTRACTIONS
Aiguille Rock Climbing Center is the place for climbers of all ages and abilities. We teach first time climbers the basics and help more experienced climbers push their limits. Climbing at Aiguille is fun, a great workout, and a great place to be with friends. our air conditioned facility is 6500 square feet of climbing and over 1000 square feet of bouldering, one of the largest on the East Coast.
18 hole miniature golf course amidst a beautiful tropical environment with caves and cascading waterfalls. Fun for kids of all ages.
An amusement park featuring 3 Go-Kart tracks and party areas to accommodate all ages. Open 7 days a week. Fun for kids of all ages.
Open daily year round. Central Florida's premier simulcast facility to watch and wager on all the best thoroughbred and harness tracks in the country as well as simulcast jai-alai from Dania, Miami and seasonal live jai-alai.
Year 'round championship greyhound racing.
