Chasing Jaws: Iconic Filming Locations You Can Visit on Martha’s Vineyard
50 Years Later—And the Shark Still Bites
2025 marks 50 years since Jaws first hit theaters and changed movies forever. Filmed entirely on Martha’s Vineyard, the island became the fictional town of Amity—and the film’s legacy is still alive in the streets, beaches, and harbors where it was shot. The movie premiered in Oak Bluffs in June 1975, and locals have never let the legend fade.
Every summer, Jaws returns—screenings play in local theaters, pop-up events are common, and there have even been outdoor shows with the Boston Pops playing the score live while the movie plays on a massive screen. When Netflix first launched its streaming platform, they screened Jaws for free in Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs, drawing hundreds to watch it under the stars.
This year, we’re adding one more reason to get in the water (figuratively):
🎉 The Jaws Scavenger Hunt – Win $300! 🎉
Take a photo at each of the 7 official Jaws locations listed below.
✅ Each photo must include a person giving a thumbs-up.
✅ Post and tag @oakbluffsinn on Facebook or Instagram.
💰 On October 1st, we’ll randomly draw one winner to receive a $300 gift certificate to The Oak Bluffs Inn.
If you don’t have a car, you can refer to our past blogs about taking the bus on the island. Up Island Post and Down Island Post
1. Jaws Bridge (Joseph Sylvia State Beach Bridge)
Jumping off Jaws Bridge isn’t optional—it’s a rite of passage. It’s where Brody’s son swims just before the shark panic, and today, people line up to leap off every summer. Located between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, it’s one of the island’s most iconic spots. Buy a t-shirt that says “I jumped”—but only after you’ve earned it. Photo + thumbs-up = check.
2. Chappy Ferry
Brody’s ferry ride scene is classic—and yes, the car was backwards, just like they still load today. Ride the Chappaquiddick Ferry, just a few minutes across the harbor. Take your shot mid-ride, looking serious. Bonus points if you quote the line: “You’re gonna shut down the beaches, right?”
3. Downtown Edgartown
This picture-perfect harbor town played downtown Amity. The police station, harbormaster shack, and the crowd scenes were all shot here. Walk Water Street, grab your shot near the town hall, and channel your inner Chief Brody. Warning: you’ll be tempted to buy saltwater taffy and forget there’s a shark problem.
4. Menemsha
Quint’s harbor scenes were filmed here. His shack? Just a movie prop, built to match Menemsha’s weathered fishing vibe and removed after filming. The docks still look the same—pure 1975 energy. Grab your photo, then hit Menemsha Fish Market or Larsen’s for a lobster roll or fresh oysters. Sunset here is next level—stick around and let the light do its thing.
5. Gay Head Lighthouse (Aquinnah)
Towering above Aquinnah’s cliffs, Gay Head Lighthouse looks out over the open ocean where many wide-angle shots were filmed. Near here stands the iconic Amity billboard, complete with graffiti reading “Oh no! Shark!”—a perfect backdrop for your photo. And if you’re into sunsets, this is one of the best spots on the island to watch the day end.
6. East Chop – Brody’s Neighborhood
This quiet, coastal area in Oak Bluffs was home to Brody in the movie. The house is gone now—demolished years ago—but the setting is still here. Cruise by East Chop Light, snap your photo with a thumbs-up, and imagine Brody pacing the porch, waiting for bad news from the beach.
7. West Chop – The Dock Scene
One of the most suspenseful scenes in Jaws—the one with the floating dock spinning back toward the fisherman—was filmed at West Chop. While the original dock is private, you can see the exact location from the public overlook just past West Chop Light. It’s also a killer sunset spot. Grab your photo, soak in the view, and wait for that cello riff to start in your head.
Bonus: The 50th Anniversary
With the 50th anniversary of Jaws hitting in June 2025, Martha’s Vineyard is the place to be. Expect screenings, pop-up events, themed tours, and surprise tributes all summer long—especially in Oak Bluffs, where the film premiered.
🦈 Ready to Hunt?
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7 locations
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7 thumbs-up photos
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Tag @oakbluffsinn on Instagram or Facebook
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Win $300 on October 1st
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Bragging rights forever
Because if you didn’t jump off the bridge… did you even survive Amity?
