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Joseph Sylvia State Beach

4.7
·609 reviews·Edgartown, United States

A picturesque 2-mile sandy beach, famous as a "Jaws" filming location, offering calm waters and the iconic Jaws Bridge.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Low tide mornings

More sand, less crowded

CrowdLow
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1st

Joseph Sylvia State Beach

Best Time

Low tide mornings

More sand, less crowded

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A picturesque 2-mile sandy beach, famous as a "Jaws" filming location, offering calm waters and the iconic Jaws Bridge.

4.7
(609 reviews)

"Wonderful beach to take the kids to, very calm surf and a dedicated lifeguard area."

Vertical photo
TIP

Carry-In, Carry-Out ♻️

Help keep this beautiful beach clean by taking all your trash with you.

Jaws Bridge Jump 🦈

For a thrill, jump off the Jaws Bridge! Just be mindful of the water temperature.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 609 reviews

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jaws Bridge

Jaws Bridge

Between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown

Recreate iconic "Jaws" movie scenes by jumping off this famous bridge. A thrilling experience for film buffs and adventurers alike!

InstagramReddit+1
Calm, Shallow Waters

Calm, Shallow Waters

Main beach area

Perfect for families, the gentle surf and shallow depth make it ideal for swimming and playing without worry.

Reddit
Scenic Beach Walk

Scenic Beach Walk

Along the entire 2-mile stretch

Enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride on the path adjacent to the beach, offering lovely ocean views.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Jaws Vibe

Visit Joseph Sylvia State Beach, a key filming location for "Jaws." While the water is generally calm and shallow, perfect for families, remember it's a carry-in, carry-out beach. Plan to pack out all your trash to keep it pristine. Instagram+1

Timing is Key for Comfort

This beautiful stretch of sand can get narrow at high tide and the Atlantic water can be surprisingly cold. Consider visiting during lower tides for more space and check the weather for optimal warmth. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Low tide mornings
Why
More sand, less crowded
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons (sunny days)
Why
Warmer water, good vibes
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Quieter, beautiful light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

เค้าบอกว่ามันเป็นหนึ่งในหาดที่สวยที่สุดของเมกา ใช่ไหมน่ะ
@jonattawut.th
2.6K likes • 35.5K views

Carry-In, Carry-Out ♻️

Help keep this beautiful beach clean by taking all your trash with you. InstagramReddit

Jaws Bridge Jump 🦈

For a thrill, jump off the Jaws Bridge! Just be mindful of the water temperature. InstagramReddit

Day 4: Joseph Sylvia State Beach, between #oakbluffs and #edgartown, #seaglass, #jellyfish, #spidercrab, rounded #quartz #beachstones, and a #throwback of me jumping off #jawsbridge 🦈 on my 50th, back in July 2018! (Before I grew out my silver hair! 👩🏼‍🦳) This 2-mi. stretch of sandy beach & shallow water was a main shooting location in the film Jaws. “Jaws Bridge” is located on State Beach betwe...
lubecbeachcomber
27 likes • 264 views
“Shark in the pond!” I ran where Roy Scheider ran in Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” at the Joseph Sylvia State Beach in @visitmarthasvineyard yesterday to celebrate the film’s 50th anniversary. It was so fun quickly recreating this iconic shot five decades later. It was a privilege to be here. #jaws #marthasvineyards #massachusetts #josephsylviastatebeach @universalpictures #stevenspielberg #film #mo...
the.yoko.higuchi
57 likes • 4.4K views

Beach Shoes Recommended 👟

The beach can be narrow at high tide and the water can be cold. Reddit

Free Street Parking 🚗

Parking is available along the road with easy access points to the beach. Reddit

where is the lie? 💦💦💦 SUMMER AIN’T OVER YET 🔆🔆 i love the Pacific Ocean but sometimes only the Atlantic will do #marthasvineyard #marthasvineyardsound #josephsylviastatebeach take me back 🙏🏽 ps @chantre is driving
danamo
123 likes • 2.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Carry-In, Carry-Out ♻️

Help keep this beautiful beach clean by taking all your trash with you. InstagramReddit

Jaws Bridge Jump 🦈

For a thrill, jump off the Jaws Bridge! Just be mindful of the water temperature. InstagramReddit

Beach Shoes Recommended 👟

The beach can be narrow at high tide and the water can be cold. Reddit

Free Street Parking 🚗

Parking is available along the road with easy access points to the beach. Reddit

Lifeguard Coverage Limited ☀️

Only a small section has a lifeguard, so swim with caution. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(609 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors love Joseph Sylvia State Beach for its family-friendly calm waters and the iconic Jaws Bridge, offering a unique cinematic connection. While parking is convenient and free, some find the beach narrow at high tide and the water quite cold. The 'carry-in, carry-out' policy is appreciated for cleanliness but requires visitor diligence.

"Wonderful beach to take the kids to, very calm surf and a dedicated lifeguard area.

Beach is carry in carry out, please take your trash with you and help keep the beaches clean!"

Gray

"Great beach, good vibes, jumping off Jaws Bridge is fun. But, water is cold at times. Enjoy!"

Thomas Mendelson

"Nice long beach, free parking on the street with access points. Can be busy during peak periods. Water is generally calm and clear. No toilets and only a small section has a lifeguard. Filmed in Jaws."

Paul M

What People Like

Calm, shallow waters
Jaws Bridge experience
Free parking

What People Dislike

Narrow at high tide
Cold water
No restrooms

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Joseph Sylvia State Beach is located between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard. You can drive and find free parking along the road. If you're not driving, local buses also service the area. InstagramReddit

Yes, the Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) buses run routes that stop near Joseph Sylvia State Beach, making it accessible without a car. Instagram

Access points are readily available from the road where you can park. The walk from the road to the beach is typically very short. Reddit

While parking is close, the beach itself is sandy. Access points are generally flat, but navigating the sand with strollers or wheelchairs might require some effort. Reddit

Absolutely! There's a nice long walking/biking path that runs along the beach right across the road, making it a great destination for cyclists. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Joseph Sylvia State Beach is free to enter and enjoy. Parking along the street is also complimentary. Reddit

The beach is open year-round from dawn until dusk. Lifeguard hours are limited to a specific section and time, so check locally for details. Reddit

There's no need to book tickets as it's a public beach with free access. Just show up and enjoy! Reddit

The main rule is 'carry-in, carry-out' for all trash. Otherwise, it's a typical public beach with no major restrictions. Reddit

It can be busy during peak summer periods, especially on weekends. Visiting during weekdays or low tide can offer a more relaxed experience. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can swim in the calm waters, sunbathe, walk or bike along the adjacent path, and for the adventurous, jump off the Jaws Bridge! It's also a great spot for beachcombing. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's wonderful for kids! The surf is very calm and shallow, and there's a dedicated lifeguard area for added safety. Reddit

The water is generally calm and clear, with shallow depths. However, the Atlantic water can be quite cold at times. Reddit+1

Unfortunately, there are no restrooms directly on the beach. Visitors are advised to plan accordingly. Reddit

Yes, fishing is permitted, and you might see avid fishermen enjoying the waters. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the iconic Jaws Bridge, the expansive sandy shores, and the serene ocean views. The beach is also known for seaglass and interesting stones. Instagram+1

The beach faces east, making it a good spot for sunrise. Sunset views are also lovely from the adjacent path. Instagram

Absolutely! Many visitors love to recreate iconic shots from the movie "Jaws" at the Jaws Bridge and along the beach. Instagram+1

Keep an eye out for seaglass, jellyfish, spider crabs, and rounded beach stones – great subjects for close-up photography. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or the Martha's Vineyard Park & Recreation Commission for current rules before flying a drone. Instagram

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