Outdoor Fun

Whether you’re casting a line, paddling a river, hitting the trails, or playing a round, Sanford’s outdoors is ready for you to explore.

Walk Off Academy

With batting cages, fast-pitch softball lanes, and professional instruction, Walk Off Academy helps athletes sharpen skills and build confidence.

Jordan Lake

Cast your line and reel in a variety of fish species at this 14,000 acre reservoir. Bass and crappie are popular catches here, but anglers also hook sunfish, catfish, bluegill and yellow perch. Access Jordan Lake easily from Poe's Ridge and New Hope - fishing/boat ramps near Sanford. The lake is also a popular spot for hiking, camping and other outdoor recreation.

Deep River

This tributary to the Cape Fear River meanders through much of Lee County. What's more, you can easily launch kayaks from boat ramps like McIver Canoe Park and the US-421 bridge near Cumnock, NC.

Dalrymple Park

A favorite for families, this park offers a playground, basketball courts, and open green areas for outdoor fun.

Award-winning Golf

Sanford proves to be a go-to destination for avid golfers. Pay us a visit and be sure to bring your clubs. With five beautiful courses, you can easily get a few enjoyable swings in!

Marsh Stables

Marsh Stables is a family-owned riding facility offering lessons, boarding, and trail experiences for riders of all ages and skill levels.

San Lee Park

With 177+ acres to explore, San-Lee Park offers first-come, first-served campsite rentals alongside hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, paddle boats, and kayaking for an all-in-one outdoor adventure.

Lemon Springs Community Park

A quiet, family-friendly park maintained by local volunteers, offering playground fun, shady picnic spots, and open areas to enjoy the outdoors.

OT Sloan Park

O.T. Sloan Park features six tennis courts, a disc golf course, and a regulation swimming pool, plus inclusive playgrounds and picnic areas—perfect for family outings, tournaments, and community sporting events like the North Carolina Cyclo-Cross race.

Lee County Athletic Park

This premier athletic venue offers fields for baseball, softball, and soccer, plus turf multipurpose fields, making it perfect for tournaments and everyday play. Lee County Athletic Park also includes a destination playground and nature trails for families to enjoy.

Kiwanis Family Park

Featuring Sanford’s first splash pad, an inclusive playground, fitness trails, and a large open field, Kiwanis Family Park is ideal for everyday family fun as well as races, field sports, and community events.

Depot Park

Among all the parks in Sanford, NC, this one is a local favorite. Enjoy the lawn seating area for a family picnic. Frolic in the interactive splash fountain. You can even visit the Railroad house museum nearby.

Cape Fear River

Launch a motor boat, canoe or kayak from the Avent Ferry ramp to fish the longest river running within the state. An angler's paradise, the waters teem with freshwater species such as bass, bream, catfish and more.

Sanford Municipal Golf Course

Marvel at lush fairways, eye-catching azaleas and a spectacular view of Buffalo Creek on the back nine of this unique course.

Donald Buie Memorial Trailhead

Access the Endor Iron Furnace Greenway from this trailhead off Douglas Drive, developed by the Sanford Rotary Club.

Watson Lake Park

Relax lakeside with trails, kayaking, fishing, playgrounds, and plenty of space to soak up the sunshine.

Ole Gilliam Mill Park

Explore this historic 15-acre site featuring a faithful 1979 reproduction of the 1850 Gilliam Mill, with campsites, a stage, and scenic walking paths.

Endor Iron Furnace Greenway

Stretching 1.43 miles, the Endor Iron Furnace Greenway is Lee County’s premier paved trail for walking, running, and cycling.

Buchanan Park

Enjoy family picnics, playground fun, and ballfield rentals at this neighborhood park featuring shaded tables and grills.

Temple Park

A peaceful spot for outdoor fun with a playground, open fields, and dog-friendly spaces for the whole family to enjoy.

Quail Ridge Golf Course

Quail Ridge features well-groomed fairways and greens. It’s a great choice for a regular round of golf or an exciting, new destination to tee off.

Lett Family Park

This Broadway park offers a climate-controlled center with kitchen facilities for community gatherings.

Carolina Trace Golf Courses

Carolina Trace features two 18-hole golf courses offering championship play with stunning vistas. Membership to this full-service private club certainly has its privileges.

Sanford Spinners Baseball

The Sanford Spinners are back and better than ever! This summer, the Spinners are joining the Old North State League, NC’s collegiate baseball summer league. Join them at Tramway Park starting June 7th.

MLK Memorial Park

Honor Dr. King’s legacy at this reflective green space featuring a memorial wall, benches, lighting, and future walking trails.

San-Lee Gravity Park

Get your adrenaline pumping at this mountain bike park dedicated to downhill bike park-style riding.

Tobacco Road Golf Club

Tobacco Road is a course like none other. Recently voted one of the top courses in the world, its landmark design is truly a stunning work of art and golf player’s dream.

Horton Park

Play, swim, or shoot hoops at this community park featuring picnic shelters, a playground, basketball courts, and a pool.

Deep River Sporting Clays and Shooting School

Whether you're a competitive marksman or planning a group outing, Deep River offers sporting clays experiences for all skill levels, plus event packages perfect for corporate gatherings, tournaments, and celebrations.

White Pines Nature Preserve

The Preserve is quite simply 275 acres of pure beauty complete with nature trails that run alongside the Deep and Rocky Rivers. Come for a leisurely hike to see and enjoy a wide variety of plants and wildlife native to North Carolina.

Pickleball Is Here To Play

Grab your paddles, lace up your court shoes, and swing on by to enjoy one of the fastest-growing sports in the world! A bona fide pickleball paradise, Sanford serves up plenty of options to get your game on.

3 Ways to Play Pickleball in Sanford, NC