A Great Loop Update from Sanford, Florida

If you’ve been following along on our Great Loop adventure, you know one thing for sure—our timeline has been… flexible. Between hurricanes, extended stays in places we loved a little too much (looking at you, Florida Keys), and some strategic weather dodging, our journey has taken a few unexpected turns. And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Right now, we’re tied up at the Downtown Sanford Marina along the St. Johns River just north of Orlando. It’s January, the engines are enjoying a rare freshwater break, and while much of the East Coast is shivering, we’re golfing in the sunshine and cruising brick-lined streets on e-bikes. Not a bad place to pause the Loop for a couple of months.

A Quick Loop Recap (For New Crew Members)

We kicked off this Loop adventure back in 2022, ran headfirst into hurricane delays, then spent last year hugging Florida’s coast and soaking up three glorious months in the Keys. From there, we worked our way north to Jacksonville, laid low during hurricane season (ironically a quiet one), and knocked out some boat projects along the way.

When December brought colder temps up north, we pivoted. Instead of continuing up the coast, we turned south—up the St. Johns River—which somehow runs north to south—and landed in Sanford. Freshwater cruising, milder temps, and a town with way more personality than we expected made this detour an easy decision.

Sanford: Small Town, Big Personality

Sanford feels like a college town… without the college. Cobblestone streets, brick buildings, an active riverwalk, and more bars and restaurants than you’d expect packed into a very walkable downtown. It’s safe, diverse, and buzzing with something happening almost every day—parades, festivals, car shows, live music, you name it.

One highlight was the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, especially their seasonal Asian Lantern Festival. At night, the zoo transforms with glowing lanterns, moving light displays, and just enough whimsy to make it feel magical without being overwhelming.

Favorite Downtown Stops

• Buster’s Bistro
  German-inspired comfort food, excellent Reubens and French dips, a dog-friendly patio, and a great beer list.
• Wop’s Hops Brewing Company
  A cozy local brewery with a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for an easy afternoon stop.
• Ellen’s Wine Room
  Right across the street, with comfort food, wine flights, and locals who love sharing insider tips about town.

Daytona: Fast Cars, Flat Beaches, and a Surprise Lake

Having a rental car gave us the freedom to explore beyond e-bike range, so we headed east to Daytona International Speedway. The VIP tour was an absolute highlight—even if you’re not a hardcore race fan.

Standing at field level, the steeply banked turns rise nearly four stories high. We toured the fan zone, visited the museum packed with racing history, stood where the spotters work, and learned there’s even a four-acre bass-filled lake hidden inside the track.

We also came back during the lead-up to the Rolex 24 at Daytona, a 24-hour endurance race that weaves through the infield road course and back onto the oval.

Daytona Area Stops

• Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
  Oceanfront and convenient to both the Speedway and nearby golf courses.
• Grand Reserve Golf Club
  A public course with a surprisingly strong country-club social scene and live music.
• ONE DAYTONA
  A walkable retail and dining district across from the Speedway, including PF Chang’s and plenty of people-watching.

Dinghy Day Turns Into Gator Day

One afternoon, we took the dinghy out to scout another marina that offers diesel fuel—important since we’ll need to top off before heading back north. What started as a peaceful cruise quickly turned into a full Florida moment when we passed a bright yellow “Gator Crossing” sign… and then saw the gator.

This one was massive—easily the size of our 15-foot dinghy. Add in a few more alligator sightings near the docks and one particularly focused gator tracking us on the return trip, and we officially checked “close wildlife encounter” off the list.

Boat Projects, Golf Rounds, and Local Finds

While staying put, we’ve also tackled a few boat projects—resealing the shower, upgrading bow chairs, and refreshing our upholstery.

• Three Lions Upholstery
  Excellent craftsmanship, professional service, and seats that look brand new.

More local favorites include Swamp House Grill right on the river and Blend & Barrel, a classy bourbon and cigar bar with a beautiful interior (and very effective smoke).

Between car shows, parades, festivals, and live music, Sanford has yet to deliver a quiet weekend.

What’s Next on the Loop

With calm weather ahead, we’re planning a short cruise back up the river to top off diesel, run the engines, and anchor out for a couple of nights. We’ve also added a DJI drone to the onboard toolkit, so aerial footage is officially coming soon—assuming it doesn’t end up making friends with the river.

Follow Along

If you’re listening to the podcast, be sure to subscribe to our website where we’re building an interactive map of our route, including marinas, anchorages, golf courses, restaurants, and side trips. You’ll also find photos and videos that bring each stop to life.

Have questions about Sanford, the St. Johns River, or any of the stops along the way? Reach out—we’re always happy to share what we’ve learned.