Sanford Florida Hotels & Motels

When Is the Best Time to Visit Sanford, FL?

Sanford, Florida is hot and muggy for many months of the year. Starting in May through September, highs begin to creep into the upper-80s and 90s and stay there, with little cooling down at night. Overnight temperatures typically stay in the 70s. The humidity can be oppressive, especially if you're from a drier climate and you're not accustomed to it.

You're likely to be more comfortable participating in outdoor activities during the months of October through April. Winter in Sanford is temperate, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s throughout. Sanford's proximity to Disney World, Epcot, Sea World, Universal Studios, and more means visitors flock to the area year-round, with the busiest times following the traditional schedule for school-age children.

Summer is the likeliest time period for an afternoon shower or periods of rainy days, and Florida is at risk for hurricanes and tropical storms that develop in the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane season lasts from the summer through September.

What Hotels Offer the Best Discounts in Sanford, FL?

The Best Western Plus Sanford Airport offers Stay and Fly rates, along with free parking for its guests. It's a modern-designed 71-room hotel on four floors with interior hallway access to guest rooms. Amenities include a complimentary breakfast buffet, an outdoor pool, fitness room, communal grills, and complimentary airport shuttle access.

Rooms feature contemporary design with pillowtop beds, a mini fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and flat-screen television in each room. AAA members and seniors receive up to a 15% discount off room rates. Active duty military members, veterans, and government employees receive a discounted rate as well.

The Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando North is a 107-room hotel on four floors with interior hallway access for guest rooms. A complimentary shuttle operates within 5 miles and the hotel offers a free buffet breakfast. Guest rooms include a mini fridge, microwave, flat-screen television, free Wi-Fi, and contemporary design. AAA and AARP members can receive up to 10% off room rates and government employee and military discounts are also available.

What Are the Best Value Options in Sanford, FL?

The Park Place Inn & Cottages is a 1930s home near historic downtown Sanford, and is located on one of the most scenic streets. This veteran-owned business is a more intimate yet affordable experience, with just nine rooms on two floors. Amenities include free parking, free Wi-Fi, individually decorated guest rooms, and air conditioning. It's close to both the restaurants and shops of Sanford as well as the airport.

The contemporary-appointed Candlewood Suites has 123 rooms on four floors with guest rooms accessed via an interior hallway. This all-suite hotel features an outdoor pool, fitness center, communal grills, free coffee and tea 24 hours a day with food items available for purchase in the store. Rooms feature a full kitchen, recliner, flat-screen television, full living room area, and free Wi-Fi.

What Is There to Do in Sanford, FL?

Sanford, Florida, is an outdoors paradise, with activities near the various bodies of water for all skill levels and interests. Start by visiting the Historic Sanford Downtown, revitalized with shops and restaurants, breweries, bars, and gastropubs that bring visitors nightly.

The Sanford Riverwalk goes along the shore of Lake Monroe for two paved miles for bike riding or walking. It connects to downtown Sanford with its historic architecture and many shops and restaurants. It also goes past the marina and weaves its way to Fort Mellon Park, a gathering place with a fountain, splash park, picnic facilities, baseball fields, and a basketball court.

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is 116 acres with over 400 species of animals that's been open since 1923. There's a carousel, a small train, a splash park, and kids can feed rhinos and giraffes. The Christmas season is ushered in by the Asian Lantern Festival, an LED-light display that features traditional seasonal and Asian motifs and a 200-foot dragon.

Lake Jessup Park is a boat launch into the wilderness area of Lake Jessup, which has available airboat tours to see all kinds of Florida wildlife including alligators, bald eagles, and turtles. Lake Jessup is over 100,000 years old and home to over 10,000 alligators, the largest concentration in a single lake in the United States.

Blue Spring State Park on the St. John's River is the winter home of giant manatees from November through March, with campgrounds, hiking trails, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. There's a 4-mile trail through a cypress swamp for visitors to enjoy.

The Lower Wekiva River State Preserve is a 10,000-acre wildlife preserve with hiking, horseback backpacking, camping, or canoe access. It's primitive and without amenities, but visitors can appreciate the wildlife of Central Florida, including river otters, alligators, sandhill cranes, and wood storks.

The Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium is built near the site of Sanford Field, where Jackie Robinson took to the plate in 1946 as a member of an all-white baseball team. The new stadium was built in 1951, and renovated in the 2000s, and served as a spring training facility for teams from New York and Boston. Now it's often used as a community facility, hosting tournaments and traveling teams.

The Daytona International Speedway is just 35 miles away, where visitors come to enjoy sportscar racing, karting, and the famous Daytona 500, a NASCAR race that draws fans from all over the country.

Orlando and its many theme parks are close enough that visitors can stay in Sanford for a fraction of the price if you don't mind a short drive to get there every day. With its airport and easy access to Interstate 95, Sanford is a good option for those trying to save money on lodging and keep away from some of Orlando's busyness.