Joseph Sylvia State Beach

This glorious Joseph Sylvia State Beach has soft white sand and shallow water and is one of the most popular public beaches on Martha’s Vineyard (many of the beaches are privately owned or for residents only).

Stretching 5 miles between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, this easterly facing beach is on a spit, accessed across a bridge. It’s a local landmark and popular for jumping off into the Nantucket Sound waters below. You may get a sense of déjà vu at Joseph Sylvia State Beach as it is best known as the shooting location for the 70’s movie Jaws. It was this very bridge from which Brody’s son, Michael,sees the shark swim under before reeking carnage in the boating pond.

It has Cow Bay and the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the sheltered inland Sengekontacket Pond on the other. Families can enjoy safe swimming due to the gently sloping shoreline and calm waters. It’s a top spot for fishing for striped bass in summer.

When it is windy, Joseph Sylvia State Beach is a mecca for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and they make a great spectator sport! There are some snack trucks on the beach but no facilities. Pets are not allowed on the beach from April through September.

There is limited parking along the road with a short walk to the beach, so you need to get there early in the peak summer months. Alternatively, make use of the Shuttle Bus service or the Bike Path adjacent to the beach.