In the summer of 1974, Steven Spielberg descended on a small island off the coast of Massachusetts with a mechanical shark and a crew that had no idea they were about to make cinema history. Jaws, released in June 1975, became the first blockbuster — and it permanently associated Martha's Vineyard with a very specific kind of dread. Fifty years later, the island is one of the most sought-after summer destinations on the East Coast.
Where Was "Jaws" Actually Filmed?
The fictional town of Amity Island is Martha's Vineyard, specifically the town of Edgartown and the nearby barrier beach of South Beach (Joseph Sylvia State Beach). Most of the key scenes were shot at these locations:
- Joseph Sylvia State Beach — the opening attack scene and most of the beach crowd sequences. The long bridge over the lagoon (where the boys jump into the water) is still there.
- Edgartown — the town center, police station, and several interior scenes were shot using the actual Edgartown streets and buildings.
- Menemsha Harbor — the fishing village sequences, including Quint's boat shed, were filmed here. Menemsha still looks almost identical to its 1974 appearance.
- The open ocean sequences — filmed further offshore, toward Nantucket Sound.
Note: the mechanical shark ("Bruce") was built and primarily used in the waters off Martha's Vineyard. Most of the shark's on-screen failures during production actually helped the film — Spielberg was forced to imply the shark rather than show it, which made Jaws far more frightening than any rubber prop could have been.
Can You Visit the Filming Locations?
Yes — all of them. Martha's Vineyard is a public island accessible by ferry.
- Joseph Sylvia State Beach is a public beach, free to access, and still a popular swimming spot. The famous bridge is still standing. Locals call it "the Jaws bridge" and tourists jump off it into the lagoon as a rite of passage every summer.
- Edgartown is a walkable town. The building that served as the police station exterior still stands, as does much of the downtown that appeared in the film.
- Menemsha is an active fishing village. It's about as close to unchanged as any filming location in America. The harbor looks almost exactly like the Jaws sequences shot there.
Is Martha's Vineyard a Good Tourist Destination Beyond the Jaws Connection?
Genuinely excellent — and it would be even if Jaws had never been made.
- Six distinct towns, each with its own character: Edgartown is upscale and colonial; Oak Bluffs has the famous Campground gingerbread cottages and a classic carousel; Vineyard Haven is the ferry hub; Chilmark and Aquinnah (Gay Head) offer dramatic cliffs and rural quiet.
- Beaches: South Beach (State Beach) has reliable surf. Aquinnah (Gay Head) Cliffs beach is wild and scenic. Menemsha Beach is famous for sunset-watching. Lucy Vincent Beach (residents-only in summer) is considered one of the best in the US.
- Aquinnah Cliffs — the multi-colored clay cliffs at the western tip of the island are a state reservation and a genuinely stunning sight.
- Food and dining: fresh lobster, oysters, and striped bass define the local food scene (but don’t eat oysters during months without without a “R.” The Black Dog Tavern in Vineyard Haven has been an island institution since 1971.
- Cycling: paved bike paths connect most of the island. Renting bikes from Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs ferry docks is a classic way to see the island.
Practical Information
Getting there: Ferry from Woods Hole (the main crossing, runs year-round, 45 minutes). Also ferries from Falmouth, Hyannis, New Bedford, and New York (seasonal). No bridge connects the island to the mainland — you either ferry or fly to Martha's Vineyard Airport.
Best time to visit: Late May to mid-June and September are the sweet spots — weather is warm, beaches are swimmable, but crowds and prices are significantly lower than peak July–August. The island population swells from 20,000 to 100,000+ in midsummer. Accommodation books out fast; plan ahead.
Is it expensive? Yes. Martha's Vineyard is one of the pricier New England destinations. Hotels and rentals in July–August are costly. Day-tripping from the ferry is a viable budget option if you don't stay overnight.
Are there actual sharks? There are great white sharks in the waters around Cape Cod and the islands. The population has grown significantly since the 1970s due to the recovery of the grey seal population. Swimming in seal areas is not recommended, and local beach authorities issue closures when sharks are spotted nearby. The odds of an incident remain extremely low — but unlike 1975, the sharks are real.
The Jaws 50th Anniversary
Jaws was released on June 20, 1975. Martha's Vineyard has been marking the milestone with Jaws Fest events — screenings, cast appearances, and island-wide celebrations. Check the Martha's Vineyard Film Society for the latest events.
Martha's Vineyard is beautiful, historically interesting, and yes — still slightly haunted by one of the greatest films ever made. Worth every minute.