Sanford was named for a railroad civil engineer, C. O. Sanford, a key figure in the building of the rail lines through what became the city of Sanford. Located in Lee County, Sanford and Jonesboro were the two major towns in the area, eventually merging with Jonesboro with Jonesboro becoming Jonesboro Heights and Sanford keeping its name.
Like the rest of the country, World War II was a boon to the country’s economy, workers flooding into town to help with the war effort. After wartime restrictions on construction were lifted, Sanford experienced a home building boom to match its economic boom, with many of the new homes being built in downtown Sanford. Nicknamed “Victory Villages” the virtually identical frame cottages line the cul-de-sacs.
Consistent growth, historic areas with businesses and recreation for any member of the family make Sanford an ideal place to visit or to live. Join us and see what we mean!
Carolina Trace Country Club 
A private, member owned country club, CTCC features thirty six holes of championship golf, designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones. Not just for golfers, the club features a 315 acre lake with seven miles of shoreline and marina, lighted tennis courts and a full length driving range. Enjoy a swim in the Olympic size pool, watch the kids have fun on the playground and join a few of the seventy social clubs offered year round. There’s something for every member of the family at CTCC! For more information, please visit: https://www.carolinatracecc.com
Gross Farms 
For over five generations, Gross Farms has shown the public the positive, fun aspects of farm life. Just visit and sign up to make your way through one of the four puzzles of the Corn Maze, with assistants tracking your progress, you’ll have a great time! Whether you visit the pumpkin patch or take a hay ride, Gross Farms is a good time waiting to happen! To learn more visit: https://www.grossfarms.com
Sanford Golf Club 
Come enjoy 18 holes of this Donald Ross designed golf course! Pine trees lined fairways, colorful azaleas and a stunning view of Buffalo Creek wait for your pleasure. Sanford Golf Club has a large driving range, chipping green, practice bunker and more for you to work on your short game as well as a friendly staff to welcome you back, time and again. For more information, visit: https://www.sanfordnc.net/golf/golf.htm
For a complete list of attractions in Sanford, please visit: https://www.sanford-nc.com/todo.cfm
Mission Statement: The staff at Lee County Parks and Recreation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all Lee County citizens and fostering a sense of community. This vision is facilitated by providing a broad range of recreational and leisure opportunities to the diverse groups within our community. We offer family parks, walking & bike trails, outdoor education programs, camps, adult and youth recreational activities, aquatics classes, and sports for all ages. There’s something for everyone at the Lee County Parks and Recreation Department. We look forward to serving you in the future! For more information on Sanford’s Parks & Recreation, please visit: https://www.leecountync.gov/Departments/ParksRecreation.aspx
San Lee Park – This 160 acre park offers hiking trails, mountain bike trails, playground and boat rental facilities as well as two stocked lakes for fishing! With so many features to explore, it could take a while, so pack a picnic lunch to eat at the picnic tables!
Downtown Sanford Autumn Fest - Come spend the day picking out arts, pottery and antiques at the Down Sanford Autumn Fest!
For more information about Sanford, visit their official government website: https://www.sanfordnc.net/index.htm