Posts on Martha’s Vineyard Travel Tips contain affiliate links from various programs and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When you buy through links on this site I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See Privacy Policy for more information
JAWS 50th Anniversary On Martha’s Vineyard: Complete Guide
Jaws turned 50 on June 20th, 2025 but the celebrations go on all year on Amity Island! Here’s how you can join the fun of the Jaws 50th Anniversary on Martha’s Vineyard.
As a huge Jaws fan and frequent visitor to the Vineyard for the past 25 years, it was a dream come true to celebrate the 50th anniversary here in June.
Missed the big birthday? No problem! I created this guide to tell you everything you need to know about celebrating Jaws on Martha’s Vineyard all year long — from key dates and events to tips on booking your stay and getting the most out of your trip.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the buzz, this guide will help you navigate the ongoing 50th anniversary events and make the most of your time on the island.
Planning Your Perfect Jaws 50th Anniversary Trip
So when is Jaws 50th anniversary? Jaws was released on June 20th and many events took place around that date to commemorate the anniversary. However, there are still so many ways to mark the occasion and plan your own Jaws-Fest 2025. Here’s what’s going on this year:
Jaws 50th Events on Martha’s Vineyard
1. Jaws at 50: An Island Story
When: September 17th – December 31st 2025 | Where: Vineyard Haven
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum hosts a follow-up to their large Jaws exhibition earlier this summer. This new exhibition showcases the local Islanders who helped bring the town of Amity to life by building sets, piloting boats and stepping in front of the camera.
This is a great opportunity for Fall visitors to enjoy some of the Jaws magic before the anniversary year is over!
2. Martha’s Vineyard Jaws Tours
When: Until mid-October| Where: Island-Wide
There are a variety of public and private Jaws walking and bus tours available on Martha’s Vineyard. Tours are seasonal but most of them run until around mid-October.
These guided tours take you to the iconic filming locations featured in the movie, including the famous “Jaws Bridge” and Menemsha Harbor (location of Quint’s shack).
You can visit Joseph Sylvia State Beach, where young Alex Kintner’s unforgettable scene was filmed, take a ride on the Chappaquiddick Island Ferry, or visit the Amity Town Hall. Some tours even show Jaws scenes on the bus or on an iPad as you stand in the actual locations.
If you’d prefer to explore at your own pace, the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and the Massachusetts Film Office have produced this excellent location map you can use as a guide.
My tip: Before your visit, pick up a copy of The Vineyard Gazette’s Jaws 50th Anniversary Commemorative Magazine. Featuring rare photos and firsthand accounts from locals involved in the film, it also contains a detailed map of filming locations.
3. Jaws screenings on Martha’s Vineyard
When: 2025 | Where: Edgartown
Edgartown Cinemas showed Jaws every Sunday during the summer and has occasional screenings in the off season too. There’s nothing like watching the movie in the very place it was originally filmed and seeing all the local landmarks that still look the same today.
4. Jaws-Inspired Dining and Drinks
When: 2025 | Where: Island-Wide
If you’re looking for a healthy lunch with the freshest, high-quality ingredients, stop by MV Salads and try their Jaws Special salad, created in honor of the 50th anniversary.
You can find a themed blue and blood-red cocktail called Sharks in the Water at El Barco. At Catboat Coffee, order The Shark Attack, a coconut water and butterfly pea flower tea with a rose-raspberry twist and a gummy shark. More creative, Jaws-themed drinks are available at The Seafood Shanty (Amity Isle), Giordano’s (The Bloody Quint) and Town Bar & Grill (Bite me, Bruce).
Don’t miss the Shark Bite vanilla fudge with a cranberry swirl from Murdick’s!
5. The Jaws 50th Escape Room Experience
When: Year-round | Where: Edgartown
Step aboard a replica of the Orca and become Jaws hunters in this uniquely Martha’s Vineyard adventure at Pirate’s Puzzle Escape Room. Teams of up to 8 people have 45 minutes to solve Jaws and Martha’s Vineyard-themed puzzles to save the town of Amity from the infamous shark!
This family-friendly challenge costs $28 per person. You might need at least one hint to complete the mission, but there’s a prize if your team is successful.
How to get to Martha’s Vineyard for Jaws 50th Anniversary
You can get to the island via ferry or plane – there’s no bridge!
In peak season, you can take any of these ferries but many of them will stop operating or revert to off-season schedules after Labor Day.
- Steamship Authority ferry from Woods Hole to Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven
- Island Queen or Patriot ferries from Falmouth to Oak Bluffs
- The Falmouth Edgartown Ferry (also known as the Pied Piper) from Falmouth to Edgartown
- Hy-line ferry from Hyannis to Oak Bluffs
- Seastreak from New Bedford to Oak Bluffs.
- Rhode Island Fast Ferry from Quonset Point to Oak Bluffs
As always, I recommend the Steamship Authority ferry for getting to the island. It is the most affordable for foot passengers, sailings are frequent and it operates year-round.
One major point to note is that if you want to bring a car to the island, the Steamship Authority ferry is the only way to do it.
I highly recommend you book your car reservation as soon as possible. Space fills up incredibly quickly, especially around holidays and special events.
You can also rent a car on-island, use Uber, Lyft or taxis or take the bus (which is completely free of charge until September 30th 2025) to get around.
If you prefer to fly, Boston to Martha’s Vineyard with Cape Air is the best route. Tradewinds Aviation provides private and scheduled charter flights to Martha’s Vineyard from Teterboro, NYC and White Plains.
Accommodation for Jaws 50th Anniversary
There’s really only one town to stay in if you’re visiting Martha’s Vineyard for the 50th anniversary of the greatest film ever made. That’s Edgartown, the real-life Amity.
Even if Jaws hadn’t been filmed here, it would still be my favorite town on the island and my top-pick for where to stay. Here are some of the hotels in Edgartown you should consider.
These are all in the downtown area or within a 10 minute walk so if you’re travelling without a car, any of these would be ideal.
- Harborview Hotel (The cast stayed here during filming!)
- The Richard
- The Edgar Hotel
- Ashley Inn
- The Coco
- The Franklin Hotel
- The Christopher
- The Sydney
- The Franklin
- The Edgartown Inn
- Hob Knob
- The Faraway Hotel
- Vineyard Square Hotel
Hotels on Martha’s Vineyard can be expensive and tend to fill up quickly. Some of them are seasonal and will close around mid-October.
You can also consider staying on the mainland and taking a day-trip to the island. Check out these hotels in Falmouth which is just a 10 minute drive from the Steamship Authority ferry in Woods Hole.
- Falmouth Tides
- Inn on the Sound
- InnSeasons Resorts Captain’s Quarters
- Red Horse Inn
- Falmouth Inn
- Shoreway Acres Inn and Cape Cod Lodging
If you would prefer to stay in a vacation rental, check VRBO for tons of Edgartown listings. You can also find out more about the town in my Ultimate Guide to Edgartown
Things to do on Martha’s Vineyard (Beyond Jaws)
From stunning beaches and picturesque lighthouses to charming villages filled with local shops and eateries, Martha’s Vineyard is so much more than a movie set.
My travel guide page is a great place to start, but here are some other classic island attractions to check out on your visit
Aquinnah Cliffs and Lighthouse
Visit the dramatic clay cliffs of Aquinnah for the island’s most breathtaking views. The iconic lighthouse makes a great backdrop for a photo. After your visit, take the short drive to Menemsha, the fishing village where Quint’s shack was located.
Oak Bluffs Gingerbread Cottages
Stroll through the colorful Victorian cottages of Oak Bluffs, and learn about the neighborhood’s origins as a Methodist campground. The nearby Flying Horses Carousel, America’s oldest operating platform carousel, is also a must-see on Martha’s Vineyard.
Jaws 50th Anniversary Merchandise
Jaws LEGO set
This set lets you recreate the dramatic shark attack on the Orca, complete with accessories like a fishing rod, harpoon and camera, plus minifigures of Chief Brody, Hooper, and Quint.
This is such a nostalgic, collectible centerpiece for LEGO and Jaws fans alike. The attention to detail is amazing, with an adjustable boom and rigging on the Orca, as well as a removable cabin roof so you can see the authentic interior of the boat.
Official Jaws 50th Anniversary Merchandise Store
There’s a whole selection of toys, games, clothing and home wares available to celebrate the 50th anniversary. Check out the full JAWS store here or go straight to some of my favorite picks by clicking on the images below:
Frequently asked questions about Jaws on Martha’s Vineyard
Why is Jaws So Iconic?
Jaws wasn’t just another movie; it was a true blockbuster. The film’s suspenseful storytelling and groundbreaking special effects set a new standard in Hollywood.
The menacing score by John Williams is instantly recognizable, and the fear it instilled in audiences has had a lasting impact on the way people think about the ocean. It’s a film that blends horror, adventure, and drama, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats, and it’s as thrilling today as it was fifty years ago.
Why is Martha’s Vineyard Significant to the Film?
Martha’s Vineyard was chosen as the primary filming location for Jaws due to its quaint, small-town feel, which perfectly captured the fictional Amity Island.
The island itself became a character in the movie, with locations like Menemsha Harbor and Edgartown still recognizable to fans today. For the locals, the making of Jaws is a cherished part of the island’s history.
What are Some Must-See Locations Related to Jaws on the Island?
Several spots on Martha’s Vineyard are a must-visit for any Jaws fan. The Chappaquiddick Ferry is a great place to start and Menemsha Harbor, where Quint’s fishing shack was built, still has that rustic, old fisherman’s village vibe.
Don’t miss the American Legion Memorial Bridge in Edgartown, known as the “Jaws Bridge,” where daring visitors often jump off, just like in the movie. South Beach and Joseph Sylvia State Beach are also key locations where memorable scenes were shot.
What’s the Jaws 50th Anniversary Date?
The Jaws 50th Anniversary date was June 20, 2025. The iconic thriller, directed by Steven Spielberg, was first released on June 20, 1975.
What are Some Famous Scenes from Jaws That Were Filmed on Martha’s Vineyard?
Martha’s Vineyard served as the backdrop for most of the film’s most memorable scenes. The infamous scene where the young boy Alex Kintner is attacked by the shark was filmed at Joseph Sylvia State Beach.
The Chappaquiddick Ferry was the location where Brody and the Mayor talked about closing the beaches. At the Gay Head Lighthouse, Brody and Hooper again argued with the Mayor about closing the beaches.
How Can Visitors Learn More About the Making of the Film?
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum has a JAWS exhibition featuring rare photographs, oral histories, original artwork, and artifacts that showcase how Martha’s Vineyard became the iconic Amity Island.
Many of the guided tours also provide in-depth stories and anecdotes from locals who were part of the production, giving you an insider’s view of how the film was made and the impact it had on the island.
Are There Any Jaws-Themed Activities or Experiences Available on Martha’s Vineyard?
In addition to tours, visitors can enjoy Jaws-themed experiences such as movie screenings and a Jaws Experience escape room (Pirates Puzzle in Edgartown). Some local shops offer Jaws merchandise, and there are pop-up events celebrating the movie’s legacy, especially during Amity week. Restaurants and bars like Bettini, MV Salads and El Barco serve themed food and drinks
What bridge on Martha’s Vineyard was featured in Jaws?
The American Legion Memorial Bridge, commonly known as the “Jaws Bridge,” was featured in Jaws. It’s located on the road that connects Edgartown to Oak Bluffs and is famous for the scenes where kids jump into the water.
Wrap-up: Jaws 50th Anniversary Martha’s Vineyard 2025
The 50th anniversary of Jaws may have passed but there’s still no better time to plan your trip to Martha’s Vineyard. Relive the excitement of the film, immerse yourself in its history, and celebrate with fans from around the world in the very place where it all began.
Share your questions and get help planning your trip in our Martha’s Vineyard Travel Tips Facebook Group.
📍 Pin For Later
Related posts:
- Martha’s Vineyard Travel Guide
- How to Get Around Martha’s Vineyard: Do you need a car?
- Edgartown Travel Tips: Making the most of your visit (2024)
- 5 Awesome Martha’s Vineyard Bus Tours for 2024
- 6 Best Martha’s Vineyard Kayak Tours (2024)
- South Beach Martha’s Vineyard: 2024 Visitors Guide
- Visit Chappaquiddick Island: Essential Travel Guide (2024)
