Looking for a few Sanford outdoor activities to make the most of the season? Adventure awaits in Sanford. Whether it’s kayaking in the summer, fishing in the fall, hiking in the spring, or cozying up by a campfire in the winter, Sanford and Lee County boast an abundance of recreational activities for enjoying the great outdoors.
Cape Fear River Adventures
If water recreation is on your itinerary, Cape Fear River Adventures has your next outing covered. Grab a group of friends and spend an exciting afternoon kayaking down the Cape Feer River. Or, if you’re looking for a more low-key, relaxing experience, there’s also river tubing. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back paddle with the family or a full-on river expedition, Cape Fear River Adventures offers a trip for every kind of explorer. Choose from calm, flat-water outings or dive into a two-day canoe camping experience that brings you even closer to the water, the wildlife, and the wonder. Be sure to make a reservation and let the adventure begin!
White Pines Nature Preserve
White Pines Nature Preserve is, quite simply, 275 acres of pure beauty. The Preserve boasts nature trails that run alongside the Deep and Rocky Rivers and a breathtaking display of the state’s biological diversity, particularly the white pines typically found in higher, cooler climates. With temperatures that can range up to 10 degrees cooler than the surrounding communities, this is the perfect summer hiking destination. But don’t limit your exploring to the summer months – exploring in all seasons allows visitors to experience the full majesty of the Preserve and the plants and wildlife that call it home. We can’t imagine a more perfect Saturday adventure.
Gross Farms
With no shortage of family-friendly activities, Gross Farms features a range of outdoor fun across the seasons. Whether it’s delicious berry picking in the summer or corn mazes and pumpkin patches in the fall, Gross Farms offers visitors a unique glimpse at farm life along with some wholesome family fun. Activities are ideal for children and you can even bring the fur kids (leashed dogs are welcomed)!
Golf
Home to some of the finest golf courses in the region, Sanford is the place to be for a swingin’ good time. Grab your clubs and head to Sanford Municipal Golf Course, Quail Ridge Golf Course, Carolina Trace Golf Course,or the iconic Tobacco Road Golf Course, which is ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the world! Aside from the sublime courses, these places also offer luxurious experiences overall, from well-appointed clubhouses and delicious eateries to excellent service and affordable membership options.
San-Lee Park
For an all-in-one outdoor adventure stop, plan a trip to San-Lee Park. Hiking and biking, playgrounds and paddle boats, camping and kayaking are just a few of the experiences you can enjoy at this 177-acre park. Open from dawn to dusk year-round, San-Lee prides itself on the way it cares for its community and the wildlife that dwells there, including a nature center that provides a safe home for native, non-releasable animals like reptiles, fish, birds of prey, and mammals. With campgrounds for a family weekend trip or group outing, and paddle boat rentals available seasonally, San-Lee is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
San-Lee Park is also a favorite spot for anglers, offering year-round fishing in two well-stocked lakes. Whether you prefer casting from the pier or relaxing along the bank, the park provides easy access for all ages and abilities. With over 70,000 fish stocked in the past decade, there’s always a chance to reel in a great catch. When it comes to Sanford outdoor activities, nowhere does it like San-Lee.
Deep River Sporting Clays
Nestled amidst 65 acres of scenic woodlands, Deep River Sporting Clays is a one-of-a-kind sporting facility featuring 13 shooting fields, a wobble deck, an 8-lane shooting pavilion and a 1,300 sq. ft. clubhouse and pro shop. With indoor and outdoor meeting spaces and catering available, you can schedule your next company or group meeting or just come with friends for the day. Book a private or joint lesson with one of the NSCA and CSM certified instructors at the shooting school or mark your calendar for the next Southern Side by Side Championship and Exhibition.
Depot Park Fountain
From May through October, you can stop by Depot Park in Downtown Sanford and visit the iconic fountain – a local favorite for water play in Sanford and Lee County. When the days are long and hot, the inviting parkscape, benches and fountain encourage visitors to take a break and cool off at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. with hour-long intervals of fountain fun! In between the spouts of water, you can check out the surrounding park, the Railroad House, shopping, dining and more.
Downtown Alive! Third Thursdays
Every third Thursday from 5 to 7 PM, Downtown Sanford comes alive with extended hours, special promotions, and something new to discover each month. Stroll through local shops, enjoy dinner at downtown restaurants, and experience pop-up events like live concerts and more. With a rotating lineup of activities and deals, no two Third Thursdays are the same. Come experience everything Downtown Sanford has to offer!
