Calkins Point sits at the northern tip of Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island in Lake Washington. The point takes its name from Charles Cicero Calkins, who homesteaded the area in 1887 and built his ornate brick home at this site. Calkins founded East Seattle on the northwest side of Mercer Island in 1888, building the elaborate Calkins Hotel served by his own steamboat, and platted 22,000 acres across the Puget Sound region before family tragedy and the 1893 depression caused him to leave the community. The site of the original East Seattle dock, now Calkins Landing, provides developed waterfront access where Calkins' entrepreneurial vision once centered.
Swimming attracts visitors to Lake Washington's protected waters from the accessible beach area at Calkins Landing, though the location features a rocky point rather than traditional sandy beach and no lifeguards are on duty. Kayaking and canoeing launch from the waterfront access for exploration of Lake Washington's eastern shoreline with views toward Seattle's skyline, Mount Rainier, and the Cascade foothills. Paddleboarders navigate calm waters near the point while enjoying the serene setting and water conditions that make the area popular for human-powered watercraft. Beachcombing along the rocky shoreline reveals smooth stones, driftwood, and lake finds deposited by waves and currents. Luther Burbank Park surrounding the point offers walking trails, playground, picnic areas with tables and barbecue facilities, and restrooms for extended family outings and group gatherings. Wildlife watching includes great blue herons, waterfowl, and occasional bald eagles fishing the lake. The accessible picnic area at the developed street end accommodates waterside meals with panoramic lake views.
Mercer Island dining near Luther Burbank Park offers diverse options within walking distance. Roanoke Inn serves tavern food including burgers, BLTs, and chili from a historic location at 1825 72nd Ave SE with a massive rear garden, earning the number one ranking among island restaurants. Mo's Pizza and Wine Dive creates delicious thin-crust pizza from wood-burning ovens with Italian cuisine at 2630 77th Ave SE. Vivienne's Bistro features modern Cantonese dishes including squid ink rice baked with cheese, Forbidden Roast Duck platter with five-spiced bird, herbs, radish, lemon slices, and bao buns. Sushi Joa Restaurant serves Japanese sushi, sashimi, and Asian cuisines at 2717 78th Ave SE. Thai restaurants on the island offer pad Thai noodles, chicken satay with peanut sauce, curries, and papaya salad.
