Sound Side
Bend-in-the-Road Beach
Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, MA
(5)
FamiliesSwimmingbiking
Calm waterDog-friendlyLifeguards
1 / 5
Heads up
- Piping plover nesting closure active this month — sections of the beach may be roped off.
Sound SideFree & OpenBest in July
Joseph Sylvia State Beach
Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts · Nantucket Sound + Sengekontacket Pond
4.7(610 reviews)
The Vineyard's longest, easiest-access family beach
A two-mile stretch of calm, warm water along the road between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. Featured in 'Jaws' — the bridge scene was filmed at the drawbridge nearby. Easy access, easy swimming.
Joseph Sylvia State Beach (or simply 'State Beach') is the long barrier of sand that runs between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown along Beach Road, separating Nantucket Sound from Sengekontacket Pond. It's the most accessible beach on the island — free roadside parking, a paved bike path the full length, and warm, shallow Sound water that's ideal for kids and casual swimmers. The famous drawbridge near the Edgartown end is the 'Jaws Bridge,' where the movie's iconic pond-scene shark attack was filmed; jumping off the bridge on a summer afternoon has become a Vineyard rite of passage, though local authorities periodically discourage it. There are no facilities — bring your own water, shade, and snacks — but the food shacks at the drawbridge stop in season. Saltwater is calm; pond side is warmer still.
History
The drawbridge in the 1975 film 'Jaws' is at the Edgartown end of this beach.
Photo spot
The Jaws Bridge at golden hour with jumpers silhouetted
Arrive
AnytimeCrowds
HighDogs
WelcomeLifeguards
On dutyBest for
FamiliesSwimmingKayaking
The beach
Lay of the land
- Orientation
- Southeast-facing
- Length
- ~2 mi
- Backshore
- Dune / flat
- Sand
- Fine tan sand, soft along the dune line
- Shade
- none
Wildlife
Birds you may see: osprey, piping plover, common tern, willet, great blue heron
Eelgrass beds
Things to know
- Jellyfish more likely July–August.
- Greenhead flies are intense in late July through mid-August on calm, humid days.
Plan your visit
Parking & fees
- Lot size
- Large
- Enforcement
- Free roadside; no overnight parking.
Roadside parking along Beach Road, free
Getting there
- Ferry
- 45 min from Woods Hole (Falmouth) · Steamship Authority
- Cell signal
- good
Accessibility
- Beach wheelchair
- Not available
- Mobi Mat
- No
- Path from parking
- level
Dogs
Leashed dogs allowed on the state beach; restricted in plover-nesting areas.
Rules & activities
What’s allowed
UmbrellasTents / canopies · small onlyAlcoholGrillsFiresDronesSmoking
Activities
Designated SUP/kayak launchFishing · surfcastingKayak rentals · Island Spirit Kayak, Oak Bluffs
Safety & stewardship
Lifeguards on duty· Late June through Labor Day Partial plover closure (seasonal)
Photo by Yvette Repp via Google Places
Today
Water67°F
Sunrise5:09 AM
Sunset8:19 PM
Conditions
WavesCalm water
Water70-76°F (July–Aug)
TidesLow variance
SharksLow risk
Jellyfishlow
Length~2 mi
Facilities
Lifeguards
Late June through Labor Day
Joseph Sylvia State Beach — good to know
How much does parking cost at Joseph Sylvia State Beach?
Parking at Joseph Sylvia State Beach is free and open to the public, but lots fill early on summer weekends — arrive before about 10am for the best chance of a spot.
Are dogs allowed at Joseph Sylvia State Beach?
Dogs are allowed at Joseph Sylvia State Beach — Leashed dogs allowed on the state beach; restricted in plover-nesting areas.
Does Joseph Sylvia State Beach have lifeguards?
Yes — Joseph Sylvia State Beach is staffed by lifeguards during the summer season (Late June through Labor Day).
Are there restrooms at Joseph Sylvia State Beach?
Joseph Sylvia State Beach does not have public restrooms on site, so plan accordingly.
What is the water like at Joseph Sylvia State Beach?
Joseph Sylvia State Beach is a Nantucket Sound beach on Nantucket Sound + Sengekontacket Pond. Expect calm, gentle water that's good for young kids and easy swimming. Average summer water temperature is around 70-76°F (July–Aug).
What is Joseph Sylvia State Beach best for?
Joseph Sylvia State Beach is especially good for families, swimming and kayaking.
When is the best time to visit Joseph Sylvia State Beach?
Anytime; bike from town to avoid parking.
