When you think of Orlando, what comes to mind? Disney, Universal Studios, International Drive, fast-paced attractions, and the nightlife…but what about greater Orlando? More specifically, Orlando North?

Orlando North is drop-dead gorgeous with its contrast between pine trees and palm trees or neon signs and playgrounds.

It’s a place where hundreds of thousands of families call home and travelers stop to take a look around, marveled by its charm and beauty.

SANFORD: A DESTINATION THAT’S AT HOME

Sanford, Florida, is nestled in Northern Seminole County, about 30 minutes North of downtown Orlando. The downtown area here is far from the hustle and bustle and high-rise buildings of downtown Orlando, though.

Downtown Sanford is slower, like a stroll in the park meets Sunday brunch with endless mimosas. It’s exciting and relaxing at the same time. Most importantly, it’s a dot on the map that is welcoming to all, especially families.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the places to check out here, so let me save you the time and stress and tell you where to go. Sanford is one of the most family-friendly downtown places you’ll find in Central Florida.

FIRST UP: CELERY CITY CRAFT

Celery City Craft is a full bar that also specializes in craft beer, with over 50 beers to choose from!

Its impressive tap list is not all—they also have a delicious sushi kitchen on site that makes award-winning sushi and Korean-style wings. If that isn’t making you drool, we don’t know what will.

What makes Celery City so appealing beyond the beer and sushi?

The roomy, serene beer garden, shaded by a few trees, has large picnic tables with umbrellas throughout. The garden is a perfect place for the kiddos (and your furry friends) to roam during the day. There’s gravel, so some strollers may not survive the terrain, but your kids will love hanging out and enjoying the fresh air alongside you.

Celery also has a ping-pong table and a small, covered patio. Occasionally, they have live music sounding through the streets of Downtown Sanford.

DEVIANT WOLFE BREWING

Deviant Wolfe Brewing is a crowd favorite in Historic Downtown Sanford. They have several styles of beer on tap, house made kombucha, and even some seltzers!

There’s plenty of room to bring a stroller in and an area with some cozy chairs for the family to hang out. There are several large, family-style picnic tables inside, too, if you need to spread out or have a bigger group of people with you.

The atmosphere here will inspire your family to explore more of the hidden gems and local treasures of Orlando North.

TUFFY’S MUSIC BOX

If I can recommend just one place for you to visit in Sanford, especially if you are limited on time, it would be Tuffy’s.

I could write a whole blog post on this place itself, but I’ll keep it short and sweet here.

Tuffy’s is a destination of its own—there’s a full bar, a game room, a stunning outdoor beer garden oasis, a secret tiki bar, and an event space that hosts live music every weekend.

The food on-site provided by Swine & Son’s is outstanding and their food is completely devour-worthy. The smash burgers are some of the best around and every bite is so delicious. Your kids will even love their Brussels sprouts.

The spacious patio is the best in Sanford and most fun, and the bocce ball court is a hit for anyone looking for a fun game to play.

STAY & PLAY IN SANFORD

Historic Downtown Sanford offers an endless list of things to see and places to go. Travelers and locals will easily want to spend more than a day here or cram in as many stops as they can.

Fun events occur frequently and there is something for everyone in this downtown hot spot of Orlando North.

Are you ready to plan a trip yet?!