Riverwalk — Attraction in Bradenton

Really enjoy this area by the river. We have stopped several times when traveling through this area.

There are many clean bathrooms along the path. If you want refreshments or food, you simply need to walk into town a bit. On the far west end, there was an ice cream shop by the water and a marina.

Parking - I have not found a main designated parking area but have parked each visit without problem. Our last visit we used a free parking garage just west of the Bishop Planetarium.

There are many places to sit as you walk along the river enjoying the views. There is a different feel to each area but connected by the walkway along the river. Some areas have bench style swings, some with concrete loungers under palms. Very unique place and I enjoy all the settings.

Skate Park - One area has a skate park where you can enjoy watching those willing to put some wheels under the feet and navigate the bowls, bars. I don't know enough to even describe it well. If you enjoy any of these wheeled activities, you'll like this spot. I myself really enjoy just watching everyone from the youngest who are learning to those that truly know how to navigate these things. A fun stop. It is under the one set of bridges.

Splash Park and playground - The kids love this place as I have witnessed on each visit. It is sizeable and some of the bigger sets of bathrooms are located at this area. There is a lot to do here for the little ones.

Volleyball - There is a sand volleyball court where we often see families and friends enjoying some friendly competition.

Park like setting - The far east end of the walk has a park like setting. Lots of lawn and a workout course.

Docks and Piers - A fishing pier lets you get right out into the river and see if anyone is catching anything. There is a dock along the walk that I believe hosts some ferry services.

Ampitheater - it is small, but our last visit we watched some young people practice a group dance. There is just so much free entertainment to pop in on for a moment as you travel along.

The crowd is friendly, and we have watched as dolphins swim along and play in the river. Several pieces of public art to enjoy. I especially enjoy the "Parabolic Dishes" You stand between two giant symbol looking creations and noise you create becomes amplified to you. Look for them. Give it a try.

For a relaxing time by the river, this a great spot and the views of sunset are...

WHY??? PLEASE SOMEONE TELL ME WHYYYYYYY it’s OK for random people to COMPLETELY TAKE OVER THE CHILDRENS PLAYGROUND, (AT PEAK HOURS) to PREACH ABOUT THE LORD on your tiny little stage?!?? First it was Saturday nights! Along with pure chaos! Kids in the parking lot with tasers and full on face masks video taping themselves for whatever social media platform! While 5 feet away I’m trying to get my 2 year old in his car seat while a taser is being used for show so close it was too scary!!! NOW? Friday nights! There was a point where some Spanish woman got on the VERY LOUD MICROPHONE literally CHANTING TO THE POINT OF SOUNDING SATANIC!!!! Then there was not only a man preaching in Spanish? At the same time? There is an English translator!!!!! Ahhhhh!!! Im a new mom. Im already tired and want some peace! I shouldn’t have to listen to that NOR my 2 year old!!!! It’s gotten out of hand and I’m going to be contacting the Bradenton Herald. Call me racist, call me a Karen! BUT I AM NOT! I want to go the the LOCAL PUBLIC PARK WITH PEACE!!!! I don’t care what you think of me!!! But I don’t have the same Religious beliefs as others!!! and my son and I should NOT have to be exposed to this! It’s infuriating! HOW CAN ANYONE JUST GET AWAY WITH THIS?!?!? It’s a children’s park! NOT A CHURCH! This is just sickening. And have videos so you can listen to a small clip of what we have to listen to just to go to the park!!!! Bradenton Herald??? You guys need to do a piece entitled “Weekends at Riverwalk, a day at church” I’ll write the piece for you! It’s not fair! Play kids music! Play new radio music!! but my son and I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR ABOUT JESUS AND THE DEVIL FOR HOURS ON THE WEEKEND WHILE I PLAY WITH MY SON AT THE PARK!!!!!! It’s so annoying and I have had it now! Weeks of this! SOMEONE NEEDS TO TAKE...

Went down here to the amphitheater for a Hanukkah party put on by Chabad House of West Bradenton. It was the PERFECT place for it! We sat looking over the Manatee River in the evening, which is Beautiful with the lights of the cars driving over the bridges nearby, and the lights of the boats on the water, and the houses and businesses on the water's edge. Plus the holiday lights were all around and it was dark enough that you could see the stars in the sky - Absolutely beautiful. They had a couple playing Hanukkah music on the stage, a violin and a guitar. They were amazing! One of them was from Russia and the other was from Ukraine. All the donations and money they raised from the sale of their CDs went to helping the people of Ukraine, for the war. There were latkes and Sufganiyot (jelly donuts) to munch on, and hot chocolate and hot apple cider to drink. The atmosphere was joyous and people were celebrating the holiday, HaShem (G_d), and each other, just like it should be on Hanukkah!

I do wonder how the people who decided to rent? buy? housing directly behind the amphitheater feel about it, since they have to listen to everything that goes on there regardless of what they think about it. It is directly in their backyard. Like, maybe 20 yards away.

Also, the lighting wasn't very good. I liked it, because it added to the ambiance, but I suppose for safety, it seemed like it wasn't very well lit, except on the stage itself and on the boardwalk itself. My overall impression of this Eastern portion of Riverwalk is high and I can't wait to see other events in this area so I can return to enjoy it...