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Recommended Reviews - The Wave Organ

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Pamela L.

I have not heard of this place before, so being adventurous, I went to find it. It's on the property of the St. Francis Yacht Club - there's only one signage of this place - pass the front of the main building and continue walking straight to the end of the path - about one mile. At the very end of the path, you will see the structure. The path is slightly broken and little uneven so be careful when you walk. Views of the bay and docked yachts are nice to look at. I would not return unless I have a person who likes to walk, showing a person a unique and unusual structure or wants to see the bay and yachts. There's lots of parking but don't know if it's private or public. No cars were parked so I didn't see any permits. It's an isolated walk that seems there is no end. My walk was about an hour in total and saw no one on a weekday. I am giving this 5 stars because of how a person came up with this idea. The design is unique and creative. The walk is nice - slight winds at times. It's a peaceful, scenic walk and just steps from the beach so you might want to pack a picnic lunch. Unfortunately, I did not hear anything from the pipes. I believe you can only hear music at high tide.

Maruko X.

The Wave Organ is located on the east edge of boat harbor. The installation includes twenty five organ pipes made of PVC and concrete, where the sound is created by the impact of waves against the pipe ends and the subsequent movement of the water through pipes. Honestly, I think it's hard to tell if there's any music at all.

Enjoying the view / taken near the Wave Organ.
Lisa X.

This is an out-of-the-way place that we would come by occasionally. Love the sounds of the wave organ. It doesn't look like much, and most of the time, it's very subtle and peaceful. You can also get a pretty good view of the bay from this vantage point. The Wave Organ was created by Peter Richards and George Gonzalez, Exploratorium artists in residence, 1986. "The Wave Organ is located on a jetty that forms the small Boat Harbor in the Marina district of San Francisco. The jetty itself was constructed with material taken from a demolished cemetery, providing a wonderful assortment of carved granite and marble, which was used in the construction of this piece. The installation includes 25 organ pipes made of PVC and concrete located at various elevations within the site, allowing for the rise and fall of the tides. Sound is created by the impact of waves against the pipe ends and the subsequent movement of the water in and out of the pipes. The sound heard at the site is subtle, requiring visitors to become sensitized to its music, and at the same time to the music of the environment. The Wave Organ sounds best at high tide." Source: https://www.exploratorium.edu/visit/wave-organ

Alexis B.

I guess I didn't realize that unless you go at high tide it's just a place to take in the view? My husband and I walked over to the Wave Organ when we were visiting SF last weekend. We arrived and sat down and heard nothing. We googled it and learned that it's easier to hear if you're there at high tide. So for us, the Wave Organ was just a place to sit and take in the view. But it was quite a view!

Parker R.

When I first saw online that SF had a wave organ I knew I needed to go see and hear it. The history of it is so fascinating. When you arrive there are signs directing you to the wave organ because you can't really park near it which is one down side. The wave organ itself is beautiful but if a lot of people go the area gets packed real quick with only one walk way down and up from the wave organ. I didn't plan the weather out that well so I went when it was very windy and cold. I arrived and the waves weren't high enough for the wave organ to make a lot of noise which was sad. I did hear it a few times at a low murmur. Just knowing that someone made this to organically plan noise with nature is spectacular and beautiful. I will definitely go back when waves are a little higher.

J David H.

Located in a jetty on the San Francisco Bay, the San Francisco version of the Wave Organ was built in 1986. Sadly the tide was too low when I arrived so no music for me. There is a Wave Organ located in Croatia, the only two known to exist in the world. Here's the creepy part of the San Francisco Wave Organ. The organ's jetty and the organ itself were constructed with carved granite and marble from a demolished cemetery. The jetty itself was constructed with material taken from Laurel Hill Cemetery, providing an eerie assortment of carved granite and marble. Larger segments were used in the construction of this unique musical piece. Background on Laurel Hill Cemetery. It was previously known as Lone Mountain: A "who's who" of early San Francisco occupied the guest list of the "silent city" including: Andrew Halladie, the inventor of the cable car; David Broderick, the popular U.S. Senator who was killed in a duel at Lake Merced by the Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court; James King of William, whose assassination resurrected the Vigilantes in 1856; Senators Latham, Baker, Sharon, Fair and even Napoleon's son. Classical marble tombs and elaborate monuments glorified the affluent departed while a more humble section was reserved for the poor. Going to show the animosity that people bear towards the living, seems to extend even beyond the grave- the 1900s brought about a dismantling of these memorials, leaving many of the dead lost or forgotten. Until Golden Gate Park came of age, Lone Mountain Cemetery also served as a park where families would picnic and young couples would promenade among the dead, as was fashionable about many cemeteries back in the day. Lone Mountain Cemetery was so successful that during the 1860s three other cemeteries were developed to the south, on the slopes adjacent to Lone Mountain. To avoid confusion, it made sense that Lone Mountain Cemetery, which was not located on Lone Mountain, changed its name to Laurel Hill in 1867. San Francisco like many other major cities has no active cemeteries within the city limits. This was due to health considerations in the early part of the 20th century. So how can this be? The history of the removal of Laurel Hill Cemetery was especially contentious. Today, they have only two cemeteries (and one pet) left of the previous 30 inside city limits. Most of the deceased residents previously buried in the city of San Francisco were moved to cemeteries in San Mateo County between 1900-1940, to the town that would eventually be known as Colma, which now carries the distinction of having more dead residents (two million and counting) than living (1,500). In 1902, Richmond District property owners began their campaign to close the cemeteries completely to give "the living" room to grow, help boost property value, and remove the so-called "nuisance" and public health hazard that cemeteries posed. After litigation, ballots, voting and more bureaucracy, the process of moving previously buried bodies from the Big Four cemeteries to Colma land was passed. The entire removal process lasted through WWII. Unfortunately for anyone trying to find burial records, this migration from SF to Colma was spotty. Some bodies were exhumed and buried in mass graves, others were transferred to new coffins with incorrect information, and others were left behind in their original resting places, forever unmarked as headstones were removed and tossed as trash. Tragically almost none of the elaborate Neoclassical monuments in the Big Four resting areas survived. Tombstones were discarded into the ocean or broken up and used in construction. You can actually spot pieces of gravestones in the park gutters of Buena Vista Park, and occasionally washing up during low tide at the new Aquatic Park by Ghiradelli. Today, magnificent and finely worked pieces of the old tombs were repurposed to form the irregular terraced seating and even a trash can holder from what visibly remains of the mausoleums of the dead on the jetty. The organ instrument itself is comprised of more than 20 PVC and concrete pipes that extend down into the water at various elevations. The sound is created by waves crashing against the ends of these pipes. When the waves roll in, the pipes resound with liquid music: low, gurgling notes that ebb and flow with the restless movement of the ocean and the changing of the tides. Perhaps what we really hear are the cries of the dead who's stones you walk across to listen to it play it's mournful tune.

Phil A.

Unique!!! Or uniquely San Francisco is the the word that pops into my head when I went here!! The Wave Organ is a sculpture constructed in 1986 by 2 local artists. All the pipes here interact with the waves and when you put your ear next to the pipes, you can hear the Organ. The higher the tide, the more organs you can listen to. Getting here you have to walk by the Golden Gate Yacht Club on a strip of land across from the Marina Green. Been here a few times, and I highly recommend a visit if you're up for something different, original, and uniquely SF!!

Montage of images from the Wave Organ
Ed U.

** The following review reflects my experience DURING the COVID-19 pandemic. ** As you can see below, it's been well over a dozen years since my last visit here. No particular reason why. Life goes on, y'know. But then this pandemic thing happened and it became a time for reflection and rediscovering places that long ago got submerged into my self-conscious. I was walking along the Golden Gate Promenade (review: https://bit.ly/2O6O5ni) and just kept going on the spit of land past the tony St. Francis Yacht Club. I knew what beckoned at the end of the spit, but I didn't know whether it would be closed or alternatively became a bastion for the maskless masses. It turned out to be neither as it looked pretty much the same as it did before. Consisting of 25 PVC organ pipes and sculpted cement, it's an art installation designed and built in 1986 by then-Exploratorium artists in residence Peter Richards and George Gonzales. They took advantage of the lapping waves and currents in the bay to allow a visitor to appreciate a concerto of ga-bloot and swoosh sounds OK, it's more of a cacophony, and on this day, barely a whisper as the tide was low late in the afternoon. I wouldn't characterize it as relaxing as groups of people come in and out of the sculpture with little regard for social distancing. Nice views in all directions but it's time to go. RELATED - Exploring the Marina? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2HyFdzC

History of the site
Annabelle R.

What a great find, for something outdoors to check out during COVID! It's cold and windy out there on a winter's day but still so beautiful. I did not come during high tide as recommended, and heard nothing but the splashes of the waves. But that was good enough for me. Don't come expecting too much. They do have great views on the water, ie. Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge (which probably look a lot better when it's not so foggy). But I appreciate all kinds of nature, and the way the Wave Organ intertwines this with art is just an amazing concept. Parking was free and easy, with a decent sized lot right next to the site (actually right next to the lighthouse, which is within walking distance to the Wave Organ, less than half a mile)... just google map Golden Gate Yacht Club, and it takes you straight there.

Shirley N.

I became aware of the Wave Organ when I worked in tourism in the City a number of years back. As a native San Franciscan I was up on all the major tourist attractions. But the Wave Organ? Naturally I had to Google it. Since then I've visited it a few times myself. The Wave Organ is comprised of various granite and marble taken from an old cemetery. The Wave Organ is part of the Exploratorium which is a science museum. Make sure you visit during incoming high tide in order to hear the sounds as the waves hit the organ pipes. Otherwise the organ pipes are silent. Bonuses include nice views of Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge. Other landmarks are Crissy Field in the Presidio, the St Francis Yacht Club, and the Marina Green.

Wingsdomain ..

A well kept San Francisco secret treat! This is a beautiful and serene place with spectacular panoramic views of San Francisco. The wave organ plays transcending and eerily delightful resonating sounds usually during high tide. And to add to this ghostly concerto by the bay, adjacent to it is the Coghlan Beach Tombstones, one of many scattered locations where unclaimed tombstones from old San Francisco cemeteries were used to build up the sea wall which was one of many Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects during that time. And if you look down at that part of the bay, you can still make out the actual epitaphs on some of the tombstones! https://sanfrancisco.wingsdomain.com

Sandeep R.

The Wave Organ is a wave-activated acoustic sculpture located on a jetty in the San Francisco Bay, which was constructed with material taken from a demolished cemetery, providing a wonderful assortment of carved granite and marble. The installation includes 25 organ pipes made of PVC and concrete located at various elevations within the site, allowing for the rise and fall of the tides. Sound is created by the impact of waves against the pipe ends and the subsequent movement of the water in and out of the pipes. The sound heard at the site is very subtle and if you're planning on visiting this place to hear the sound, I'd highly recommend coming during high tide. It's worth calling out that the parking spot is ~.2 miles away from the actual sculpture so be prepared to walk a bit

View from the organ to the bridge
Dusty T.

Kind of a let down. But I think we might have gone at the wrong time. I'm wondering if high tide is better cause of how the pipes sit in the water.

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Always love visiting this beautiful spot in my old hometown. Good to show friends and family or go alone to get a piece of mind

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Pretty neat spot to relax and enjoy the view. I enjoyed it here. Its peaceful,and the view is amazing. A must when your visiting the city.

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Review Highlights - The Wave Organ

Make sure you visit during incoming high tide in order to hear the sounds as the waves hit the organ pipes.

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Japantown - Cherry Blossom Festival vendor

Japantown

4.2(547 reviews)
1.7 miLower Pacific Heights, Japantown

Came to San Francisco during Super Bowl week and had the chance to explore Japantown and Lower…read morePacific Heights again, and it honestly reminded me why I love this city so much. After being in Washington, D.C., where it was much colder, the warm SF weather felt amazing and made walking around the neighborhood even better. The food was incredible! We tried several different restaurants, and every place had something special, from comforting ramen to fresh sushi. Japantown has such a great mix of authentic flavors, cozy spots, and unique little shops that make the whole experience feel lively and welcoming. Being back in San Francisco, enjoying great food, good weather, and the energy of Super Bowl week, was just an all-around great feeling. I truly believe this is one of the best Japantowns in the country, and I can't wait to come back and explore even more.

Japantown has always been a go to spot for us when we miss Japan, of course there is no comparison,…read morebut Nijiya Market has always been a good spot for Bento boxes, sushi, Sashimi, anything you want- quality has always been good, and if you get there later before closing, they discount some of the items. It's located on Post and Buchanan, street parking if you can find it but they have a parking garage underneath the shops and restaurants. They have so many good spots for Sushi, Ramen, Sophie's Crepes is another fav, Boba, you won't be disappointed! We will be back!

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Japantown - The last of the cherry blossoms

The last of the cherry blossoms

Japantown - 12/28/25 FYI. Food & drink options.

12/28/25 FYI. Food & drink options.

Japantown - Godzilla

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Godzilla

Palace Of Fine Arts - At Sunset

Palace Of Fine Arts

4.7(1.2k reviews)
0.6 miMarina/Cow Hollow

One of my favorite stops whenever I'm in San Francisco. The Palace of the Fine Arts is an…read moreincredible visit - beautiful and peaceful. I've visited here both during the day and at night and each one will provide you with its own unique experience. During the day, you'll be able to take in all the surrounding nature - its lake, the birds and the ducks, grassy areas. You can also take in all the intricate architecture of the Palace. Can definitely get busy and loud during the day, but it's still so nice to walk around and enjoy. At night, you're going to lose the majority of the people. Last time we were there after dark, there were only a dozen other people wandering around. You won't really be able to see the nature, but the Palace has areas lit up with lights that give it a different beauty you won't see during the day. Free to enter and enjoy. We've always walked here, so I can't touch on the parking situation, but it doesn't look like the best just from glancing around. As I said, one of my favorite stops in SF, and I look forward to visiting it on each trip.

The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in San Francisco. Whether…read moreyou're a visitor or a local, it's the perfect spot to slow down and take in the scenery. The views are stunning from every angle, with the iconic rotunda reflected in the lagoon and surrounded by beautiful architecture and lush vegetation. The lake is full of life, and it's common to see swans, ducks, geese, and other birds enjoying the water, making it feel like a hidden oasis in the middle of the city. The lagoon is known for attracting a variety of bird species throughout the year. There are plenty of grassy areas to spread out a blanket, relax with a book, enjoy a picnic, or simply soak in the atmosphere. The walking paths are easy to explore, and every turn offers another great photo opportunity. On busy days, you'll often find vendors nearby adding to the lively and welcoming environment. Whether you're looking for a peaceful morning walk, a romantic setting, or just a place to sit and enjoy nature, the Palace of Fine Arts delivers. A true San Francisco treasure that never disappoints.

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Palace Of Fine Arts - Evening view

Evening view

Palace Of Fine Arts - 06.15.25 the domed rotunda is an open-air octagon supported by eight piers, triangular in plan, that frame arched openings

06.15.25 the domed rotunda is an open-air octagon supported by eight piers, triangular in plan, that frame arched openings

Palace Of Fine Arts

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Cottage Row - Sweet smelling vines

Cottage Row

4.1(12 reviews)
1.6 miLower Pacific Heights, Japantown

A quiet, cozy, off the beaten path, mini park with lovely flowers and trees in between busy areas…read more Recommend, especially if you can find parking.

Big things comes in small packages…read more There are several mini parks in almost every neighborhood in San Francisco, and Cottage Row is a historic district (#82000983) located in Japantown that stretches along the block of Bush and Sutter streets and flanked between Webster and Fillmore streets. I would often walk to my wife's work as part of my exercise after work. I'd start from New Montgomery & Market Street all the way to Pacific Heights, which is roughly about 3 1/2 miles or so depending on the route I take. I vary my route some days and have taken different streets that are more hilly depending how I feel that particular day. On one of my many routes, I discovered this gem of a place just a block from Japantown Center. From Sutter St., there are signs posted regarding the park in front of a brick steps and pathway that stretches one block ending on Bush St. Along the path are Victorian-era houses, which adds a unique charm to the park. The park itself is well manicured with beautiful flowers, plants and even lone Redwood tree standing tall and proudly in the center. It may be small, but this mini park actually feels very spacious due to the layout and brilliant design of the park. It definitely maximizes the space without feeling cluttered and it feels very relaxing just being here. The smell of flowers and different plants provides an illusion that you are in a forest garden. I can feel my stress levels diminish as I soak in the energy of the park. Doing some research, the brick pathway along the backside of the park used to be called Japan Street due to the families living there were primarily Japanese-Americans. Sadly, they were interned during WWII after the attack on Pearl Harbor. An unfortunate time in American history that must never be forgotten and repeated. Now the park is maintained by the city, and they do a wonderful job of doing so. I can imagine the people in the neighborhood utilize this space by sitting on the benches while reading a good book; playing with their kids or grandkids; walking and playing with their dogs or enjoying a casual stroll to get some sun. Either way, it's a charming little park that is worth a visit should you be in the area.

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Cottage Row
Cottage Row
Cottage Row

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49 Mile Scenic Drive - Fremont Hotel

49 Mile Scenic Drive

3.7(25 reviews)
2.3 miCivic Center, Hayes Valley

The 49 Mile Scenic Drive was created in 1938 in order to showcase the highlights of the City of San…read moreFrancisco. for the 1939 Golden Gate Exposition. It was already a convoluted route which originally began at city Hall and ended on Treasure Island. Since 1939 the route has been altered somewhat but still remains convoluted and today plagued with traffic problems and poor maintenance of signage. Specifically, the Seagull in profile with a blue background signs have been badly faded and not all are clearly visible. You will need to use the internet to get a clear description of the route. Some of the major sites along the route are City Hall, Asian Art Museum, Little Saigon, Japan Town, Union Square, China Town, Telegraph Hill, Lombard Street, Coit tower, Fishermen's Wharf, Palace of fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Lake Merced, California Academy of the Sciences, Haight-Ashbury, Twin Peaks The Castro and Oracle Park. Parking at these various sites runs the range of easy to very difficult. Metered street parking is available at some locations. Due to the numerous hassles involved in trying to run the route most tourists opt for city transportation or the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus. "If you are going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair..."

This is a great idea but in the day and age we are in now I wish they already had a google map link…read morefor this drive. As most of the reviews mentioned the signs are missing so I had to follow a map on SF website and my friend would navigate me which is great if you're traveling with people. A lot of the places we already hit due to our own itinerary but some of the places on the drive I never saw when doing research about the city so this was great anyways!

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49 Mile Scenic Drive
49 Mile Scenic Drive
49 Mile Scenic Drive

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Dragon's Gate - Dragon's Gate to Chinatown

Dragon's Gate

4.3(144 reviews)
2.3 miChinatown, Union Square

Dragon Gate has been part of my San Francisco story for as long as I can remember. I first saw it…read morein the mid-1970s during a visit with my parents, and it made an immediate impression on me. I still remember taking photos of it with a brand-new camera my father had just given me, not realizing at the time that it had only been completed a few years earlier, in 1970. Over time, I've come to appreciate more of its details and background. The gate was a gift from Taiwan and built in a traditional Chinese architectural style, complete with guardian lions, decorative tiles, and inscriptions symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. It marks the formal entrance to Chinatown at Grant Avenue and Bush Street, and it's a natural stopping point for visitors before heading further into the neighborhood. Nearly twenty years after that first visit, I moved to San Francisco and have been here ever since. These days, walking past the Dragon Gate feels more personal. It's less of a tourist attraction for me and more of a familiar landmark, one that quietly welcomes people into a neighborhood full of history, culture, and character.

I've walked under the Dragon's Gate more times than I can count but I still love that moment when…read moreyou're walking up and you finally see it and suddenly you know you're in Chinatown. It sits at the edge of Grant Ave and it is a literal gateway into Chinatown. As soon as you walk past it, you are under the beautiful green tiled roofs curling along the streets with stone lions in this ornate, colorful and instantly recognizable neighborhood. The gate was a gift from Taiwan in the 1970s and every time you see it it feels special and different. It's not the largest or most beautiful gate I've seen, but I think it holds a special place for me because it's so familiar. It can look different depending on whether you visit on a bright sunny morning, or a foggy afternoon, or whether you see it under the glowing lanterns of a San Francisco night but to me it always feels familiar. No matter how many times I've been to Chinatown, I always stop here for a second before heading in. I have to take a moment to pay homage to this little spot that marks the entrance of one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city.

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Dragon's Gate
Dragon's Gate
Dragon's Gate

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Lyon Street Steps - Night view

Lyon Street Steps

4.8(357 reviews)
1.0 miMarina/Cow Hollow, Pacific Heights, Presidio

The Lyon Street steps connect Cow Hollow to Pacific Heights as well as the Presidio's Broadway…read moreGate. The steps have a series of steep steps, terrace trimmed hedges, bay views, and a Hearts in San Francisco sculpture. My nighttime stroll was pretty lowlight and I think this space is better suited for a daytime climb.

One of my absolute favorite SF spots to score a solid workout, spectacular views and breathe in a…read morefresh bay breeze. As part of a boot camp program in 2008, I really got acquainted with the steps, from an athletic perspective. For many years following, I'd incorporate them into my city workouts. After I moved to the SF peninsula in late 2010 and became an experienced trail runner, sometimes I'd carve out time to visit the city to run during the week, zipping up after rush hour traffic, of course. To access them for training or touristy purposes, there is plenty of street parking available nearby. Keep in mind, you may need to add a "half mile" hike/run to get to the steps, but it's worth it and why not? Exercise is so good for mind-body-soul connection. Afterwards, head over to Pac Heights for some grub or pack a picnic and saunter over to Chrissy field. So many options. There is also a few cute cafes tucked away towards the bottom of the steps on nearby streets. Initially it was such an intimidating climb up the stairs, but they became so much easier the fitter I got... and are nothing compared to the nearby Mill Valley Dipsea stairs! {On that note, If you're looking for an extra challenging stair workout, packed with nature and adventure, head up north and check those out.}

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Lyon Street Steps - Terrace trimmed hedges

Terrace trimmed hedges

Lyon Street Steps - View from the top of Lyon Street stairs

View from the top of Lyon Street stairs

Lyon Street Steps

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The Wave Organ - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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