The peculiar island in Boston, Massachusetts, where Spielberg's iconic film, 'Jaws', was filmed.

Steven Spielberg excelled when he created "Jaws," one of the highest-grossing films in history, but Boston excelled with the small island of "Martha's Vineyard," the place that gave life to the American director's masterful work. One of the most beautiful things about traveling is being able to visit places that have inspired films, books, TV series, works of art, etc., although in this case, it's the most memorable thriller filmed at sea.

The island is known for being a summer vacation spot for many celebrities and politicians, such as Kamala Harris and the Clintons , due to the tranquility that permeates its small fishing village. Although we don't know what's going on in the famous film director's head, it's almost comical that he imagined such an absolute tragedy in a town where nothing but the breeze, the landscape, and the calm are the only things that can be experienced.

Interestingly, although its name, 'Martha's Vineyard', refers to a vineyard, the wine industry has not yet reached the island. Its name dates back to the time of the Conquest when the English explorer Bartholomew Gosnold proclaimed it in honor of his daughter 'Martha'

What to do on Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is home to about 30,000 people year-round , but because it's so popular with tourists and ideal for summer vacations for Americans, its population multiplies during the summer. One of its attractions is strolling through Edgartown , one of its small villages with white colonial-style houses and a picturesque lighthouse steeped in legend.

The island's natural beauty is also exceptional: the cliffs of Aquinnah offer ocean views , while beaches like South Beach and State Beach invite you to relax or enjoy water sports. It's also possible to explore the island by bike, thanks to its scenic routes that connect towns and coastal landscapes.

In addition to its natural beauty, the island offers art galleries, local markets, and independent shops, especially in Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven. A stop on the historic Flying Horses carousel and a meal of fresh seafood—remember, this is a fishing island—like the famous lobster rolls are a must.

The destinations where 'Jaws' was filmed

According to various interviews, Spielberg chose Martha's Vineyard for its geography, as the seabed remained shallow even far from the coast, making filming with the mechanical shark easier. Edgartown was the heart of the shoot, representing much of downtown Amity, and its town hall doubled as the police station in the film.

The famous water attack scenes were filmed at State Beach, a beach with calm waters located between Oak Bluffs. Also located there is the American Legion Memorial Bridge, now renamed the "JAWS" bridge, where the scene in which a young boy is attacked while his mother watches from the shore was filmed. Today, it's a popular spot for tourists to take to the water.

In addition to Edgartown, there's also the Menemsha Fishing Port in Chilmark, a location where many scenes involving the boats, the pier, and the town's harbor atmosphere were filmed. Indeed, it's here that you can feel the seafaring spirit that Spielberg captured on screen.