Sanford Florida: The Small-Town Surprise I Found Near Orlando

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by Bev Posted on

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Sanford, Florida

Key Takeaways

  • The author discovers Sanford, Florida, while seeking a breakfast spot with a view before a flight.
  • Caffe Di Riverwalk offers great food and beautiful views of Lake Monroe.
  • Veterans Memorial Park in Sanford honors those who served, featuring a historic pier.
  • The historic downtown area has shops and restaurants, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
  • The author expresses a desire to revisit Sanford Florida for more exploration.
  • A Sanfdford Florida sign with history of the town on it and palm trees in the background in Sanford Florida.
    Sanford Florida
  • A mug of coffee on an outdoor table in the foreground with the Lake in the background in Sanford Florida.
    A mug of coffee at Caffe Di Riverwalk
  • The Riverwalk, with a building on the left and the lake on the right and a palm tree in the foreground in Sanford Florida.
    The Riverwalk

A Free Morning Turns Into a New Discovery

I was in town for a conference and staying in Winter Park. On my last day in Florida, I had some free time before my afternoon flight, so I started looking for a new breakfast spot, hoping to find one with a view. That search brought me to Sanford, Florida, a quiet and relaxed town about 30 minutes north of Orlando.

Breakfast on the Lake at Caffe Di Riverwalk

225 W Seminole Blvd Apt 106, Sanford, FL 32771

  • The green chalkboard menu board and red cabinet with coffee stand at Caffe Di Riverwalk in Sanford Florida.
    Caffe Di Riverwalk
  • Coffee and an egg burrito on the table with the lake in the background outdoors at Caffe Di Riverwalk in Sanford Florida.
    Breakfast
  • The view of Lake Monroe from the Caffe with palm trees in Sanford Florida.
    View of Lake Monroe from Caffe Di Riverwalk

Caffe Di Riverwalk was what brought me to Sanford Florida. I was hungry and wanted a good view, and this place had both. Lake Monroe is right across from West Seminole Blvd and the Riverwalk, giving you beautiful water views.

I ordered a coffee, some water, and an egg burrito, then grabbed us a table outside to take in the view. It was quiet, uncrowded, and most of the people there seemed to be locals.

Remembering Our Veterans at Veterans Memorial Park

110 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771

  • A historical marker about World War I in the foreground and palm trees, the lake and a new white building in the background in Sanford Florida.
    Veterans Memorial Park
  • Me in front of the bronze eagle monument at the tip of the pier that is Veterans Memorial Park in Sandford Florida.
    Me in front of the bronze eagle statue in Veterans Memorial Park
  • A view looking up at the tall eagle bronze statue in Vtereans Memorial Park in Sanford Florida.
    The bronze eagle statue

After breakfast, we walked along the Riverwalk to check out a nearby park. It turned out to be Veterans Memorial Park, which honors everyone who has served our country. The pier was built in 1924 and dedicated in 1927 to remember those who died in World War I. In 1973, the park was rededicated to all veterans.

Unwinding Along the Waterfront

After visiting Veterans Memorial Park, we stopped at St. Johns River Steak & Seafood for a frozen cocktail and a chance to relax before heading out again. The restaurant is located by the Marina with views of Lake Monroe.

  • Names of veterans on bricks in Veterans Memorial Park in Sanford Florida.
    The names of Veterans on bricks at Veterans Memorial Park
  • A frozen cocktail at St. Johns River Steak and Seafood in Sanford Florida.
    A frozen cocktail at St. Johns River Steak and Seafood
  • A paddleboat on the water in front of St. Johns River Steak and Seafood in Sanford Florida.
    A view from St. Johns River Steak and Seafood

Sanford’s Historic Downtown

Before we left, we cruised around town. Sanford has a really cool Downtown Commercial Historic District that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are shops, breweries, and restaurants all over, with plenty of walkable streets. While we drove through, it was great to see so many people out and about, enjoying the historic vibe of downtown.

Sanford Florida: A Place I’d Like to Revisit

I hadn’t heard of Sanford, Florida, on any of my earlier trips to Orlando, but it turned out to be a great find. I’d like to come back, check out more of the breweries and shops, and take in those water views again.

For more ideas on places to visit in Florida.

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