Mercer Island vacation rentals

An island with connections that's still a land unto itself

Mercer Island, named for the pioneer Thomas Mercer, was first settled between 1870 and 1880. Thomas and his brother Asa often rowed between the island and Seattle to pick berries, hunt, and fish. In 1930, a bridge was built to connect the island to Seattle, and since then, it's been well connected to neighboring communities on the mainland. Still, Mercer Island has a unique, independent feel, and your vacation rental likely will, too. Picking berries may no longer be a popular pastime, but rowing a boat and casting a line are still the rage.

A couple things Mercer Island cultivates: community and kids

Visitors and year-round residents of Mercer Island are fans of the Mercer Island Community and Event Center. The modern facility features panoramic views of Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains and hosts community events and concerts. If you're in the area, check out the center's Mercer Gallery, where work by local artists is on display. Just over the bridge in Bellevue, families with curious kids will get a kick out of KidsQuest Children's Museum, where exhibits, classes, and galleries are designed with kids aged 0 to 10 in mind.

Park yourself in one of Mercer Island's picturesque parks

Wherever your Mercer Island vacation rental lies, it'll likely be close to one of the city's beloved parks. Luther Burbank Park stretches over 77 acres with almost a mile of waterfront. You can dock your boat, fish on the pier, and swim on the beach. When you're tuckered out, take advantage of the barbecues and picnic area. Aubrey Davis Park has softball fields, and tennis and basketball courts. Pioneer Park features trails for bikers, hikers, and horses, and Deane's Children's Park (a.k.a. Dragon Park) is tailor-made for tots.

There's nothing seasonal about family-friendly charm

For a little island so far north, Mercer Island still enjoys warm summers, with temperatures in the mid to high 70s. Summers are also relatively dry, and it's in fall, winter, and spring that you'll need to remember your rain gear. Winter lows aren't too crazy, and though it's too cold for swimming, travelers can still enjoy brisk walks on the waterfront. If you're set on taking a dip in the ocean, book your Mercer Island vacation rental in summer. Otherwise, the parks and boat launches are in working order year-round.

Exploring the natural landscape of Mercer Island

Whether you're looking for adventure or just want to take in the scenery, Mercer Island is a great place to get outside. These are a few of the area's noteworthy features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

• Seattle Center (7 mi / 11.2 km)
• Seward Park (1.8 mi / 2.9 km)
• Downtown Park (3 mi / 4.8 km)
• Lake Washington (3.9 mi / 6.2 km)
• Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park (4.5 mi / 7.2 km)
• Pioneer Square (5.6 mi / 9.1 km)

Traveling to and around Mercer Island

The nearest airport is in Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), located 9.5 mi (15.3 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you might consider flying into Seattle, WA (BFI-Boeing Field), which is 4.4 mi (7.2 km) away.