The bridge's original name is the American Legion Memorial Bridge.
The shark prop used in the film 'Jaws' was famously nicknamed 'Bruce' by the crew.
The channel beneath the bridge creates a significant 'sluice' effect, making the water depth fluctuate rapidly with the tides.
Local police frequently patrol the area to enforce the no-jumping ordinance.
The location appeared in multiple scenes throughout the movie as the gateway to the pond where the shark terrorized the community.
Jaws Bridge, officially known as the American Legion Memorial Bridge, connects the towns of Oak Bluffs and Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard. It gained global fame as a primary filming location for the 1975 blockbuster film 'Jaws,' specifically the scene where the shark enters the pond. The bridge spans the channel between Sengekontacket Pond and Nantucket Sound. It is a traditional spot for local youths to jump into the water, a practice that is technically prohibited by local authorities due to safety concerns. The current structure is a concrete replacement of the original wooden bridge used during the film's production. Tidal currents beneath the bridge are exceptionally strong, making it a high-risk area for unauthorized swimming.
From the beach level on the north side of the bridge looking back toward the structure.
Visit during low tide if you want to see the wider sandbars and channel depth.
Park in the designated gravel pull-off areas rather than on the bridge shoulder to avoid fines.
Bring binoculars if you are a birdwatcher, as the surrounding Sengekontacket Pond is a vital habitat.
Do not attempt to swim through the channel, as the currents are dangerously powerful for inexperienced swimmers.
No jumping or diving from the bridge railing is permitted; stay off the railings.
