SANFORD MAIN STREET

By  Mike Miller July 28, 2025

Sanford Main Street Inc. is a non-profit organization in Sanford, Florida. It works to preserve and promote Historic Downtown Sanford.

Located along Lake Monroe, the district features brick-lined streets, shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

Historic Downtown Sanford, centered on Main Street, is situated along the lake. The area draws visitors with events, dining, and the RiverWalk.  

Historic Sanford Main Street

Sanford was founded in 1877 by Henry Shelton Sanford. It incorporated Mellonville in 1883.

By the early 1900s, it was a major vegetable shipping center, nicknamed “Celery City.”

A fire in 1887 destroyed wooden structures on First Street. Brick buildings replaced them, shaping today’s historic look.

Main Street thrived as a commercial hub through the 20th century. Revitalization efforts since the 2000s, including the 2004 RiverWalk, restored its appeal.

The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.  

Historic Downtown Sanford’s Main Street is along First Street between Sanford Avenue and Palmetto Avenue.

Shops and restaurants are generally open daily, with hours varying by business; most operate from 10 AM to 6 PM, with some open later.

The Historic Sanford Welcome Center at 230 E 1st Street is open Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM. Call (407) 320-0000 for details.

Street parking is available; check signs for time limits. Walk First Street to explore or stroll the RiverWalk.

Visit during the Saturday Farmers Market or monthly "Alive After 5" events.

Check Historic Downtown Sanford for a visitor's guide and event schedules.  

• First Street’s brick buildings, rebuilt after the 1887 fire, house some of Florida’s oldest commercial structures.
  
  
• The Saturday Farmers Market, held on First Street, features local produce, crafts, and live music.
  
  
• The Sanford Art Walk, every third Saturday, keeps galleries open late for “sip and shop” events.
  
  
• The five-mile RiverWalk along Lake Monroe offers free marina day slips for boaters.
  
  
• Main Street’s craft beer scene includes over 100 breweries at the annual Pints n’ Paws festival.

SANFORD MAIN STREET WEBSITE