Overview
Mercer Island is a city in King County, Washington, consisting entirely of an island in Lake Washington. Once known as "East Seattle", it has become one of the region's most upscale residential communities.
3 things to do · 3 places to eat
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Mercer Island
Aubrey Davis Park
Luther Burbank Park
The most notable park on the north part of the island, offering views of Bellevue and Medina. Has public docks.
Pioneer Park
A nature preserve serving as a nexus for the many miles of trails on the island. There are horse stables just south of Pioneer Park if you are in the mood for horse riding lessons.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 78°F; winter lows dip to about 37°F. Wettest: Nov and Jan. (climate data from nearby Seattle)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BFI King County International Airport - Boeing Field, Seattle — 4 mi away. Directions
- SEA Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, Seattle — 9 mi away (major hub). Directions
Interstate 90 (I-90) is the only access to Mercer Island. Bridges connect with Seattle to the west, and Bellevue and the rest of the Eastside to the east.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Aubrey Davis Park, Luther Burbank Park
- Lunch Pom Proem Thai
- Afternoon Pioneer Park
- Dinner Anise Thai
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
Interstate 90 (I-90) is the only access to Mercer Island. Bridges connect with Seattle to the west, and Bellevue and the rest of the Eastside to the east.
- Exits 7A (77th Ave SE) and 7B (Island Crest Way) from eastbound lanes.
- Exit 7 (Island Crest Way) from westbound lanes.
By public transit
- Link light rail - The 2 Line runs from Downtown Redmond to the east via Bellevue, and from Lynnwood City Center to the northwest via Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline and Seattle. Adult fares are a flat $3.00, regardless of distance; children 18 and under ride for free. A train runs every 8-15 minutes from 5:00 to midnight.
Go Sound Transit
Runs express and intercity public transit routes across the Seattle area, including Sounder trains, Link light rail and express buses (routes 510-596). Serves King County (e.g. Bellevue, Federal Way, Kent, Renton, Seattle), Snohomish County (e.g. Everett, Lynnwood), and Pierce County (e.g. Puyallup, Tacoma).
The following routes stop into Mercer Island P&R on their way between Seattle and the eastside: * 550 Downtown Seattle - Bellevue * 554 Downtown Seattle - 142nd Pl SE & I-90 Ramp Stop - Issaquah
Go King County Metro
Runs bus, streetcar and monorail routes within King County. Serves Auburn, Bellevue, Bothell, Burien, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kent, Kirkland, Mercer Island, North Bend, Redmond, Renton, SeaTac, Seattle, Shoreline, Tukwila, Vashon Island, White Center, and Woodinville.
- DART 204 serves as a local shuttle between the Mercer Island P&R (north) and Mercer Island Village Shopping Center (south).
- DART 630 connects downtown Seattle and First Hill to Mercer Island Village Shopping Center via Mercer Island P&R during weekday afternoons and to Seattle during the weekday mornings. Check schedules.
Get around
I-90, Mercer Island Park and Ride, and most businesses are at the north end of the island.
There are two major roads to the south end of the island:
- Island Crest Way, which passes through the center of the Island.
- The scenic Mercer Way, which is divided into West Mercer Way, East Mercer Way and North Mercer Way. This route goes along the edges of the island and has many curves.
By public transit
There are three bus routes to the south end of the Island, near the Mercer Village Shopping Center.
See
Great views can be seen from the small parks which dot the island. These include Groveland Park, Clarke Beach Park, and the westernmost edge of Lid Park, which sits on top of I-90.
Do
Buy
Shop Mercer Village Shopping Center
Has a grocery store, several coffee shops, a drug store and other shops that mostly cater to residents.
Eat
Sleep
Mercer Island has no hotels or motels. If you need one, your best bet is to hop on I-90 to either Seattle or Bellevue, as both cities have multiple, varied options for overnight stays.
Go next
Nearby
Bellevue
City / town · 62 listings · 4 mi away
Seattle
City / town · 87 listings · 5 mi away
Renton
City / town · 47 listings · 6 mi away
Tukwila
City / town · 24 listings · 7 mi away
White Center
City / town · 6 listings · 7 mi away
Kirkland
City / town · 20 listings · 8 mi away
Burien
City / town · 10 listings · 9 mi away
Redmond
City / town · 31 listings · 9 mi away
My experience
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