Sanford, NC is for unforgettable summer experiences you simply can't pass up! Here's the perfect itinerary for a fun summer weekend filled with music, art, outdoor activities, and much more. With the season in full swing, start planning your trip now and we'll see you in Sanford.
SUMMER FUN ITINERARY
Summer Fun Itinerary
Day One
Stop 1 | Free Concert at Kiwani's Family Park
There's nothing quite like a summer concert and Sanford has a whole series of them! Each Thursday night, Kiwani's Family Park hosts some of the best talent around, covering a variety of music genres as part of the City Parks Summer Concert Series. Don't miss fan favorites such as The Simpletones and Dalton Davis.
Stop 2 | Check In to Check Out Sanford
Located just a few miles form San-Lee Park is Sugarneck, a venue turned glamping respite located in the Sugarneck area of Lee County. Enjoy private accommodations just near the Cape Fear River with dedicated bath houses, hot water, gas cooking and fire pits.
For a full service stay, we highly recommend the Hampton Inn Sanford. Breakfast is included and they can get your trip started on the right foot with a visitor's guide, seasonal event information and more.
There's nothing quite like a summer concert and Sanford has a whole series of them! Each Thursday night, Kiwani's Family Park hosts some of the best talent around, covering a variety of music genres as part of the City Parks Summer Concert Series. Don't miss fan favorites such as The Simpletones and Dalton Davis.
Stop 2 | Check In to Check Out Sanford
Located just a few miles form San-Lee Park is Sugarneck, a venue turned glamping respite located in the Sugarneck area of Lee County. Enjoy private accommodations just near the Cape Fear River with dedicated bath houses, hot water, gas cooking and fire pits.
For a full service stay, we highly recommend the Hampton Inn Sanford. Breakfast is included and they can get your trip started on the right foot with a visitor's guide, seasonal event information and more.
Day Two
Stop 1 | Family-Style Breakfast
Ease into a fun-filled day with a nostalgic breakfast at the Fairview Dairy Bar. Saddle up to the diner's counter for a blast from the past or make it a family meal seated in a comfy booth. Be sure to ask for the chocolate sauce to complement the fruit side or the character pancakes for the little ones.
Stop 2 | Bike. Hike. Paddle. Repeat.
Sanford and Lee County boast miles of hiking, mountain bike and paddling trails. Download full trail maps or swing by the Sanford Visitor's Center to pick up printed copies.
Keep your cool out on the water with plenty of river access points including the new kayak/canoe ramp at the 421 bridge at the Deep River. Need to borrow a kayak? Reserve all your gear with the Cape Fear River Adventures for easy delivery to your selected boat ramp.
Launching a power boat for fishing? Head to the access point at the Lee/Chatham line for the Cape Fear River. Anglers will also want to cast their lines at the reservoir at San-Lee Park. .
Stop 3 | Enjoy the Water Works
For the kids in your traveling crew, check out the awesome (and free!) splash pad at Kiwanis Family Park. The park also has swings, a playground, picnic shelters and a winding walking trail. Grab a picnic box and a drink from Libations 139 and make an afternoon of it.
Ease into a fun-filled day with a nostalgic breakfast at the Fairview Dairy Bar. Saddle up to the diner's counter for a blast from the past or make it a family meal seated in a comfy booth. Be sure to ask for the chocolate sauce to complement the fruit side or the character pancakes for the little ones.
Stop 2 | Bike. Hike. Paddle. Repeat.
Sanford and Lee County boast miles of hiking, mountain bike and paddling trails. Download full trail maps or swing by the Sanford Visitor's Center to pick up printed copies.
Keep your cool out on the water with plenty of river access points including the new kayak/canoe ramp at the 421 bridge at the Deep River. Need to borrow a kayak? Reserve all your gear with the Cape Fear River Adventures for easy delivery to your selected boat ramp.
Launching a power boat for fishing? Head to the access point at the Lee/Chatham line for the Cape Fear River. Anglers will also want to cast their lines at the reservoir at San-Lee Park. .
Stop 3 | Enjoy the Water Works
For the kids in your traveling crew, check out the awesome (and free!) splash pad at Kiwanis Family Park. The park also has swings, a playground, picnic shelters and a winding walking trail. Grab a picnic box and a drink from Libations 139 and make an afternoon of it.
Day Three
Stop 1 | Sanford Famers' Market
Come meet local farmers and artisans and celebrate NC agriculture and craftsmanship! The Market offers a diverse selection of seasonal vegetables, fruit, meat, flowers, baked goods, crafts, and more, all produced within the local community. Operating hour: Saturdays, 8:30 A.M. to noon.
Stop 2 | Sanford Public Mural Arts Trail
Soak up rich history on display through a public arts initiative that promotes Sanford's roots, honors our hometown heroes and celebrates the things that make us a one-of-a-kind destination. Download the tour map and the self guided audio tour.
Stop 3 | Sanford Train Scavenger
Hunt down 12 miniature replicas of engine no. 12 throughout Downtown Sanford. Explorers can pick up a passport book from the Visitors Center or download one to use as a guide to search out each train. Turn in a complete passport and receive a prize.
Stop 4 | Sanford Antique Trail
Discover the new, old, and unique at our antique and vintage shops. Sanford Antique Trail maps are here and also at each of the seven trail stops.
Stop 5 | Downtown Sanford Dining
Dine out and enjoy delicious eats sure to satisfy any appetite! For a full dining guide, visit the Visitors Center, or check out our online dining directory.
Come meet local farmers and artisans and celebrate NC agriculture and craftsmanship! The Market offers a diverse selection of seasonal vegetables, fruit, meat, flowers, baked goods, crafts, and more, all produced within the local community. Operating hour: Saturdays, 8:30 A.M. to noon.
Stop 2 | Sanford Public Mural Arts Trail
Soak up rich history on display through a public arts initiative that promotes Sanford's roots, honors our hometown heroes and celebrates the things that make us a one-of-a-kind destination. Download the tour map and the self guided audio tour.
Stop 3 | Sanford Train Scavenger
Hunt down 12 miniature replicas of engine no. 12 throughout Downtown Sanford. Explorers can pick up a passport book from the Visitors Center or download one to use as a guide to search out each train. Turn in a complete passport and receive a prize.
Stop 4 | Sanford Antique Trail
Discover the new, old, and unique at our antique and vintage shops. Sanford Antique Trail maps are here and also at each of the seven trail stops.
Stop 5 | Downtown Sanford Dining
Dine out and enjoy delicious eats sure to satisfy any appetite! For a full dining guide, visit the Visitors Center, or check out our online dining directory.
