Sanford city is surrounded by some of Florida's largest lakes and is a perfect base to explore the wonders of Orlando from the top to bottom. We've made it easy to hire a car from Sanford Airport so you can set off and cruise along Florida's stunning coastal highways as soon as you land.
Why hire a car at Sanford Airport?
Sanford is home to the second largest airport in Orlando and is just thirty minutes driving time to the famous city. Florida's wide lanes and smooth roads will make road tripping around the Sunshine State one of the best parts of your holiday.
That all important first mile - driving out of Sanford Airport:
After you pick up your Sanford Aiport car rental, take the East Airport Boulevard to Highway 417 and you can connect to any of the major road networks with ease. Venturing to the West Coast can lead you onto Interstate 95, one of the most beautiful stretches of highway in the United States.
"The bricklined streets of Sanford and its historical maritime culture make the city one of the more humbling hideaways in Florida. Laidback living means that everyone takes it easy in Sanford - if it's a lively day out you're looking for then you can always hop in your hire car and drive down to Orlando."
You're not going to spend your entire holiday in Sanford, however it's surrounding lakes and laidback attitude makes it the perfect spot for chilling out between day trips.
Everything from the warm Florida air, to the village-like atmosphere in Sanford invites you in. You won't feel out of place and because everything moves quite slow - it makes adapting to driving on the right-hand side of the road all the more easier.
It can seem like every other Sanford resident either has a boat or a seafood restaurant. As true Floridians, the people here love the water, so if you're not afraid to get wet - you're going to fit right in.
During summer, the temperatures can top about 34oC. Tropical rain can come down pretty fast in the summer- so you can always go out and play in it with like the local kids.
You're spoilt for choice when it comes to fresh seafood in Sanford. Try the tasty stone crab claws - one of the region's famous dishes. And if seafood isn't your thing, you can enjoy the mouth-watering crust of a Florida Key Lime Pie instead.
The 'A Listers' tend to stay near Miami and Tampa Bay in Florida, you won't see many superstars in the humble city of Sanford but if you take a drive along the coast to Palm Bay, you could run into the likes of Hulk Hogan, Matt Damon, the Williams sisters and many more.
Florida was voted to have the third-best roads across the entire USA. Driving in this state simply must be done - it's a major part of the holiday experience. So why not book your Sanford Airport car hire with us today and you can test drive the roads yourself?
Once you collect your luggage and take a breather, head to the main hall to find the Sanford Airport car hire desks.
In Terminal A you'll find a KidsWorks store - ideal for picking up gifts for the kids back home or even for keeping your own little ones occupied in the back seat of your new rental car.
There are plenty of cash machines dotted around the main areas of the airport, plus a small bureau for exchanging your currency.
There is a food court for light snacks and a couple of bars inside the airport. If you've already got that American appetite, a five minute drive away from the airport is The Cattle Ranch - a delicious steakhouse on South Sanford Avenue.
One of the best places to relax and pass the time before picking up your car hire at Sanford Airport, is the Budweiser Tap Room. Take a seat and treat yourself to a soft drink as you plan your first day. Once you're on the road, remember - you can legally turn right on a red light if you come to a complete stop and check the coast is clear first.
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Lake Monroe is the perfect spot for tourists who want to explore more than just the 'Disney' side of Florida. These enormous boating waters are home to Bethel Creek Cove, Big Smokehouse Cove, Fort Mellon Park and much more - a paradisiacal retreat to call home during your stay in Sanford.
Black Bear Wilderness Area
A natural habitat for Florida black bears, bobcats and white-tailed deer - the BBWA is one of the many natural wonders just a stone's throw away from Sanford Airport.
Lake Jesup
Connected to Lake Monroe by a series of fresh water streams, Lake Jesup is home to one of the more calming sides of Florida. Away from the golden sands on the coast, this woodland area is a real haven for inlanders.
Central Florida Zoo
Just 10 minutes away from central Sanford, Central Florida Zoo is an easy day out. With hundreds of different animals to see and learn about, there is plenty for the kids to do. Plus, the high ropes assault course gives the adults a chance to play as well.
1. Fun2Dive
Learn to scuba dive and swim with real Manattees in Crystal River. No previous experience is needed and the 'Captain' guides you through every step of the way. Nothing better than an underwater family photo for the fridge door.
Onsite parking is available but you can always park in a municipal space at the side of Lake Monroe.
2. Segway Experience
Park up the car and take a segway around the smooth roads of Sanford. Navigating through the streets and along the lakeside promenades, you can see Florida from a completely unique perspective. Just watch out for the local alligators.
You can use the car park at Central Florida Zoo as the Segway Experience is part of the same grounds. Easy.
3. Central Florida Airboat Tours
Climb aboard an airboat (hovercraft) and glide around Sanford's Lake Jesup and Lake Harney. Again the alligators share these waters so be careful not to fall in - it's all part of the thrill.
Park alongside the Jolly Gator Fish Camp - remember to pack some towels in the boot.
4. Mayfair Country Club
Practice your swing on the finest fairways in Florida, just like Arnold Palmer and many more PGA pros have done before. Mayfair Country Club is home to an amazing Pro Shop and one of the best restaurants in Sanford.
The North Country Club road brings you around to the parking spaces.
5. Downtown Sanford
Take a step back in time as you enter this 'ye olde' pocket of Florida. With antique shops all over the place, Sanford is a dream for holidaymakers looking for souvenirs and gifts to take back home.
Parking is available throughout Sanford, free spaces can be used at the many restaurants on the outskirts of town (if you at least buy a drink inside).
1. Interstate 95
Stretching from the Canadian border right through to Miami - Interstate 95 is one of the most important pieces of infrastructure in the US. Cruise along this amazing highway, soak up the Florida sunshine and link up to all the best beaches on the East Coast (stopping off at some roadside bars for some real American food).
Just pick up your Sanford Airport rental car and take E 25th street across Lake Jesup. Keep driving east for 50 minutes and you can't miss the highway.
2. Kennedy Space Centre
Hire a car at Sanford airport and you're free to take the NASA causeway to the Kennedy Space Centre on Merritt Island. Tours are available all year round but time your holiday right and you may even see a rocket launch.
Take the same route to Interstate 95 but keep driving through to Titusville. Then just follow the signs for the Kennedy Space Centre.
3. DisneyLand Florida
The beauty of renting a car from Sanford Airport is that you can experience the laidback atmosphere of Sanford but can also venture out to DisneyLand for a day whenever you like.
Head to Orlando along the FL 417 toll road. From there, just follow the signs for Walt Disney World. Toll prices start from $2.00.
4. Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is stunning. Palm trees, golden sands and the breathtaking Sunshine Skyway. This bridge wouldn't look out of place in one of Florida's theme parks. Make sure the kids take some photos from the backseat of the car - the views from the peak of the skyway are incredible.
You're heading west this time - take Interstate 4 right through to Tampa Bay.
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