Sanford FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Sanford, Florida.
1. Fort Mellon Park
LAKEFRONT URBAN OASIS
Fort Mellon Park is a 17-acre waterfront retreat along the picturesque shores of Lake Monroe in Sanford, offering panoramic lake views and recreational opportunities. The park features Central Florida's largest splash pad, basketball courts, and eight picnic pavilions equipped with tables and grills for social gatherings. Visitors can enjoy the connection to the RiverWalk Trail, making it an ideal destination for boating, fishing, or simply taking in the natural beauty of Lake Monroe.
2. Sanford RiverWalk
SCENIC WATERFRONT PATH
The Sanford RiverWalk features several miles of pedestrian walking paths along the shores of Lake Monroe with gazebos and swinging benches for relaxation. Visitors can explore Veterans Memorial Park, Marina Island, and other waterfront attractions while enjoying the natural beauty of the St. Johns River system. The RiverWalk serves as a beautiful waterfront backdrop for walking, jogging, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of Sanford's historic waterfront.
3. Marina Island
BOATING AND RECREATION HUB
Marina Island in downtown Sanford offers boaters free marina day slips to dock while exploring the charming historic district. Located on Lake Monroe, part of the St. Johns River system, this boating hub provides easy water access for recreation and leisure activities. The marina connects to the scenic RiverWalk, allowing visitors to enjoy both water-based activities and shoreline amenities in one convenient location.
4. Blue Spring State Park
CRYSTAL CLEAR SPRINGS
Blue Spring State Park is a popular natural spring destination near Sanford where visitors can swim in crystal-clear 72-degree waters during warm months when manatees aren't present. The park is famous as a designated manatee refuge where hundreds of West Indian manatees congregate during winter months, offering spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy tubing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and hiking along the pine scrub trails that border the spring run.
5. Wekiwa Springs State Park
PRISTINE NATURAL SPRINGS
Wekiwa Springs State Park, located a short drive from Sanford, features a natural spring with emerald waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and cooling off in the consistent 72-degree spring water. The park offers canoe and kayak rentals for exploring the Wekiva River and its lush, subtropical forest surroundings. Beyond water recreation, visitors can enjoy miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding through diverse Florida ecosystems.
6. Daytona Beach
DRIVE-ON ATLANTIC BEACH
Daytona Beach, the closest ocean beach to Sanford at about 45 minutes away, offers 23 miles of hard-packed sand where visitors can drive and park directly on the beach in designated areas. The beach is famous for its wide shoreline, surfing conditions, and proximity to the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier with rides, games, and entertainment. Beyond beach activities, visitors can explore the Daytona International Speedway, museums, shopping, and vibrant nightlife that make this a complete beach destination.
7. New Smyrna Beach
SURFER'S PARADISE GETAWAY
New Smyrna Beach is a renowned surfing destination about an hour from Sanford, frequently ranked among the top surf towns in the United States. The beach offers 17 miles of white sand with both driving and non-driving sections, providing options for different beach experiences. Visitors can enjoy the charming Flagler Avenue beach approach with boutique shopping, dining, and a relaxed beach town atmosphere that perfectly balances natural beauty with coastal amenities.
8. Cocoa Beach
SPACE COAST SURF SPOT
Cocoa Beach is a famous Atlantic coast beach destination within an hour's drive of Sanford, known for its connection to the space program and surf culture. The beach is home to the Ron Jon Surf Shop flagship store and the Cocoa Beach Pier, which extends 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean offering fishing, restaurants, and spectacular views. Visitors can enjoy excellent waves for surfing, swimming, and other water sports while potentially witnessing rocket launches from nearby Kennedy Space Center.
9. Lake Monroe
HISTORIC RIVER LAKE
Lake Monroe is a 9,406-acre lake on the St. Johns River that forms the waterfront backdrop for the city of Sanford. The lake offers excellent fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill, along with opportunities for boating, sailing, and watersports. Visitors can access the lake from multiple marinas and parks in Sanford, including the Port of Sanford and downtown waterfront areas that showcase the city's historical connection to Florida's waterways.
10. Fleet Peeples Park
LAKESIDE DOG-FRIENDLY PARK
Fleet Peeples Park is a popular lakefront park on the shores of Lake Baldwin, offering a beach area where both humans and dogs can enjoy swimming and water recreation. The park features a designated off-leash dog beach area, making it one of Central Florida's most popular destinations for pet owners looking for water activities with their four-legged companions. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, fishing, and walking along the lakeside trail while taking in views of the 23-acre lake and surrounding natural areas.