Explore the Bradenton Riverwalk During Your AMI Vacation

There’s never been a better time to head down to the shores of Florida! When you’re planning your next trip to Anna Maria Island, you’ve got plenty of fun activities to choose from. You can head down to the beach for some fun in the sun, you can explore the various shops and restaurants throughout AMI, or you can relax in your rental and get some high-quality R&R. But you don’t just have to spend your time on the island! You can also head over to the mainland of Florida to experience the beautiful town of Bradenton (but don’t confuse it with Bradenton Beach on AMI). 

Of all the things to do in Bradenton, there’s one attraction that you don’t want to miss out on the Riverwalk. The Bradenton Riverwalk is just a short trip away from our most popular Anna Maria Island rentals and is sure to have a little something for everyone to enjoy! Here’s everything you’ll want to know before you make your way to the Riverwalk.

About the Riverwalk

The Riverwalk is often considered the showpiece of downtown Bradenton, and it’s become one of the most popular gathering spots for locals and visitors alike. This destination spans a mile and a half and overlooks the breathtaking Manatee River, offering stunning views no matter what activity you’re participating in. Best of all, this facility is ADA-accessible, meaning that everyone in your group can come and enjoy the excitement.

We’re going to go into detail about some of the most popular things to do on the Riverwalk, like fishing on the pier and enjoying a show at the amphitheater. But there’s no limit to what you can do here. Along the Bradenton Riverwalk, you’ll find features like a beach volleyball court, a day dock, a spacious event area, the Tidal Discovery Zone, and so much more. It’s just a destination you genuinely have to see to believe! 

Fishing

Whether you’re brand-new to the sport of fishing or consider yourself to be an experienced angler, you’ll love casting your line from the fishing pier. This pier extends out into the Manatee River and provides the perfect spot for trying to catch snook, trout, redfish, and more. Once you experience it for yourself, you’ll understand why this pier is considered one of the best fishing spots in town! 

The fishing pier is open to all guests, regardless of age or experience level. It’s also great for those trying to stick to a budget since it’s free to fish here! Remember that guests age 16 and over will need to purchase a Florida fishing license. If you don’t want to bring your gear from home or buy them in town, you can rent fishing equipment from several local retailers. 

anna maria island couple
Photo from Shutterstock

Mosaic Amphitheater

If you’re looking to attend a one-of-a-kind performance while you’re in town, don’t miss your chance to check out the Mosaic Amphitheater. This destination gathers visitors and locals for various performances, featuring everything from local school plays and community programs to memorable plays and concerts from nationally renowned groups. Of course, the event schedule can change depending on the season, so be sure to check the event calendar to see what’s going on while you’re in town!

If you happen to be visiting Bradenton in the spring, you’ll want to experience the Music in the Park series. This incredible event brings all kinds of talented local musicians to provide performances that will impress the whole family! Again, you can check the event calendar to learn about other events. The Mosaic Amphitheater accommodates up to 400 guests per performance and is closed from 9 p.m. to 7 p.m., except when permitted events are happening. 

The Skate Park

Looking for a place you can satisfy that craving for adrenaline? Head to the skate park! This excellent facility was designed and constructed by the award-winning “Team Pain Skate Parks,” offering a state-of-the-art place for visitors to come show off their skills. This 15,000 square foot facility was built partially under a bridge and features ledges, stairs, rails, and more. It’s widely considered one of the best skate parks in the area, and the fact that it’s free to use makes it even better!

Feel free to bring your skateboard and safety gear to practice your moves or learn from others. You’re also welcome to sit back and watch the skateboarders as they aim to impress! If you’ve got a special event going on, it’s possible to reserve the skate park for your group. Just reach out to the City of Bradenton to learn more. 

Family Fun Zone and Splash Pad

If you’re looking for things to do in Bradenton, FL, for the entire family, don’t miss a trip to the Family Fun Zone and Splash Pad! This area offers something for even the tiniest members of your group, so no one has to feel left out. On any given day, you can find dozens of families enjoying the jungle gym area or cooling off at the splash pad. It’s a great place to let off some steam and allows your kids to burn off some extra energy!

Even if you’d rather watch your kids play from a distance, you’re more than welcome to do so. There are plenty of shaded benches for your family to use, perfect for letting the adults relax while the kids run around. There’s no doubt that this is one of the most popular features of the Riverwalk, so it’s a spot you don’t want to miss! 

Plan Your Stay

After experiencing all the fun things to do in Anna Maria Island, consider taking the time to check out the Bradenton Riverwalk. After exploring the sites after a long day, head back to your rental to relax and unwind. Whether you’re looking for a simple rental for your family or a specialty property like our Anna Maria Island pet-friendly rentals, we’ve got you covered! Lizzie Lu’s offers convenient amenities, incredible locations, unmatched customer service, and superior rental rates. What more could you ask for in your vacation rental company? If you’re ready to plan the ultimate vacation to Anna Maria Island, contact us today to get started!

Directions to Bradenton Riverwalk

Now that you know all the fun things to do at the Bradenton Riverwalk, there’s only one more thing to know: how to get there! Luckily, it takes just a few minutes to reach the Riverwalk from our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals

You’ll want to start by driving over onto the mainland wherever you are on the island. You can get there via FL-64 E/Manatee Avenue. After about 8.5 miles of driving:

  1. Turn left onto 6th Avenue West.
  2. Take another left onto 9th Street West, then turn right onto 3rd Avenue West.
  3. After almost 500 feet, take another left, and you’ll find the Bradenton Riverwalk on your left! If you get confused, there are convenient signs on the mainland to help you find the way.