One Of Washington's Most Beautiful Beaches Is A Pristine Island Park Brimming With Trails And Events

With its assortment of lush green spaces, Seattle, Washington, is considered one of the best cities in America for a lifestyle focused on health and wellness. Nevertheless, if you venture a few miles outside of the city, you'll discover a pristine waterfront destination that will make any nature enthusiast's heart swoon: Luther Burbank Park. Located on Mercer Island, this beach is so scenic that Travel + Leisure named it one of Washington's most beautiful. Luther Burbank Park is located on Lake Washington, presenting visitors with awe-inspiring Pacific Northwest scenery that lures in summer swimmers. Not to mention that there are many trails and a host of events in the park that will allow visitors to further immerse themselves in this striking landscape. 

Luther Burbank Park is brimming with paved paths, enveloping hikers in a forest-like atmosphere. One trail will lead visitors to Calkins Point Sand Beach. Also referred to as Calkins Landing, this is a gorgeous site to unwind and bask in the lakeside vistas. "Perfect place to watch sunsets. There are picnic tables so you can bring your lunch and enjoy the view," wrote an individual on Google. 

Bursting with flora and fauna, everything from bird walks to volunteer opportunities (including assisting in restoration projects) are offered at Luther Burbank Park. Check the City of Mercer Island's calendar before your visit and make sure to register for any of these activities beforehand. On that note, Luther Burbank Park's 77 acres also provide visitors a fascinating look into the past. 

Luther Burbank Park wasn't always a public recreational space. In the early 1900s, the site was a boarding school that housed troubled children, eventually transforming into an all-boys institution. Although the Luther Burbank School for Boys, as it was called, shuttered in 1965 remnants of this history remain. For instance, hikers will come across what used to be a dairy barn that was once tended to by students. This landmark, complete with a sign providing further information of this time period, can be found on the trail leading to Calkins Point Sand Beach. 

Among Luther Burbank Park's amenities are a playground for little ones and pickleball courts (fun fact: this popular game was invented in Washington state). That said, visitors will notice an imposing brick building near both of these structures. Now used by Mercer Island Youth and Family Services, it was once a student dormitory. Simply put, Luther Burbank Park is vital to Mercer Island's past and present. Home to the Mercer Island Community & Event Center, the park is a significant hub for locals. Community coffee, a free event where anyone can come for a hot drink and a chat, is frequently held here in the mornings.

Whether you are new to the Seattle metropolitan area or are just visiting, stop by and say hello before setting off to explore. Likewise, free family movie nights are not uncommon. Keep in mind that the Mercer Island Community & Event Center features a fitness room and several courts for different sports. Open Monday to Saturday, these are accessible to all for a small fee.

There's always something to do at Luther Burbank Park. Even so, summer is a magical time to visit. Mercer Island typically holds its Summer Celebration in July. The one-day festival with food trucks and live entertainment is partially celebrated at Luther Burbank Park and concludes with fireworks. Aside from swimming, hiking, picnicking, and playing pickleball, outdoor enthusiasts can fish at the park. Bring your pup along for the ride; this destination is incredibly dog-friendly and features an off-leash area where they too can swim and enjoy Lake Washington's invigorating waters. Unfortunately, if you are planning on swimming to beat the heat, know that lifeguards are not usually present.

For Seattleites, time spent at Luther Burbank Park will allow them to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can reach Luther Burbank Park from Seattle and vice versa via I-90. There are two bridges connecting the city to Mercer Island. Parking is available at Luther Burbank. If you don't have a vehicle, you can use public transportation from Downtown Seattle or Downtown Bellevue; the journey from either city to Luther Burbank Park should take about 30 minutes. Also, Bellevue, a world-class shopping mecca on the other side of Lake Washington, is only about a ten minute drive away from the park.

If you work up an appetite, there are a number of fast food and local eateries less than a mile away, with one popular spot being Pagliacci Pizza. Interested in staying on Mercer Island? You can find various listings on Airbnb where a five night stay can easily cost more than $600. To learn more about another incredible green space in Washington, read about the prettiest urban oasis that is a forested park full of activities.