Very unique musical instrument and beautiful place to gaze the magical skyline of San Francisco plus enjoying the cooling breeze of the bay and the view of the ever famous Golden Gate Bridge. Free parking and nice walkways . read more

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Heads up before you make the trek: the Wave Organ was closed when we got there. A dredging barge was parked offshore and running, with a Safety Notice zip-tied to a barrier blocking the path. Nothing about this shows up on Google Maps or in recent Yelp reviews, so we walked all the way out for a locked gate. Save yourself the surprise and check before you go. We heard about this place on a Sunday Morning broadcast and the history sold us. So we walked from Embarcadero Pier out to the jetty, mostly because we wanted the steps. The path along the breakwater has good bay views the whole way, with the city skyline behind you and the East Bay hills across the water. That part of the walk was worth it on its own. The closure looked temporary on paper, but the barge has been sitting there a while and was clearly mid-job when we arrived, so I would not bet on it clearing up soon. No way to know how long the dredging runs. Logistics: if you drive, there is parking near the Marina and the St. Francis Yacht Club, which puts you much closer than we were. The jetty itself is exposed, so bring a layer for wind. Bottom line: I think the Wave Organ is worth a visit for the setting and the concept, but I would not hoof it out there again on foot. One bright spot, the Palace of Fine Arts is close by and that was the highlight of the day. If your trip out here gets blocked, walk over there instead. read more

The Wave Organ - The closure sign, posted nowhere online - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This sculpture is really cool! I've known about it for a while but finally took the time and effort to go check it out. It's a little off the beaten path haha, like after walking through marina greens, you kinda go on a narrower pathway, past a yacht club, and at the edge you'll find this quirky, fun thing! It was really cool to listen to the waves through this "wave organ." I thought it was newer but had no idea it was built in 1986! The Wave Organ uses 25 PVC pipes (and stone reclaimed from an old cemetery!) to channel the Bay's waves into eerie, soothing rumbles, gurgles, sloshes and hisses. Definitely put your ears up to the pipes to hear the magic. Pro tip, wish I knew beforehand: go during high tide (that's when the "music" is apparently the best!). 10/10 recommend for a lazy walk and chill moment with the sound of the Bay! read more

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Fun place to take a short walk. No parking super close - so not good for people in wheelchairs or walkers. Great for kids and beautiful views. Off the beaten path you will find this fun spot. Walk past all the yacht clubs and keep going and going. All the way at the end there is a beautiful interactive art installation perfect for kids or adults that never grew up. Tile work and pipes that go into the ocean and make ocean sounds. Press your ear up against the pipes and take a listen. A couple people were fishing nearby but the whole place you can likely have all to yourself. Not all that many people will go take a few extra steps. Perhaps bring a picnic? Benches built into the walls... Maybe not growing up is ok. Taking life too seriously is perhaps overrated. read more

The Wave Organ - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Quirky Attraction [San Francisco CA] I've had the Wave Organ bookmarked for some time and had always been curious about its ability to make sound. This sculpture is located on a dock at the Marina District in the SF Bay. We parked as close to the entrance as we could near the Marina District Lighthouse, which was just outside the Golden Gate Yacht Club, and walked the rest of the way towards the Wave Organ at the end of Yacht Road. There is a plaque at the site which names the brainchild of the project and an explanation on how the sounds are created. The project was dedicated to its founder, Frank Oppenheimer (1912-1985). If that name sounds familiar, it's because he is the younger brother of the famous physicist, J. Robert Oppenheimer, who helped develop the first nuclear weapons during WWII (maybe you've seen the 2023 biographical film, "Oppenheimer"). Anyway, the Wave Organ is off the beaten path and tucked away and not really a major attraction. We got a nice view of Alcatraz and Karl the Fog at the Golden Gate Bridge. What more, we did not come at a right time because it was low tide and the waves weren't hitting the pipes. I was expecting to place my ear near one of the pipes and hear sounds of waves like listening to a sea shell. Supposedly sound is created by the impact of waves against the pipes, and the occurring movement of the San Francisco Bay waters in and out of those pipes. Bummer. Looks like I'm just going to have to go on YouTube and look up videos of it. The Wave Organ is free to enjoy. Review #3800 read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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 read more

The Wave Organ - Enjoying the view / taken near the Wave Organ. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

When the fam bam landed, we zipped off to a mystical spot called the Wave Organ, a place so elusive, even Google Maps does a double-take. Mom, the retired maestro of melodies, was all jazzed up to see this symphony of the sea. We timed our visit with the shyness of the tide, so the only tunes we caught were the solo performances by the waves.The view? Oh, it was like a VIP backstage pass to Alcatraz with the Golden Gate playing peek-a-boo in the backdrop. The Wave Organ is snuggled right across from the Museum of Fine Arts, which, let's be real, is just a fancy way of saying, "We've got culture across the street!" And the beach next door? Chef's kiss! We soaked up the sunset there, which was pretty rad. I'm totally digging this art installation's vibe. Ive' been told it's like Mother Nature's own Spotify playlist, and I'm waiting for the high tide drop like it's the next big summer hit! read more

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. read more

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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! read more

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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. read more

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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!! read more

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** 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 read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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Neat little spot to stop by if you are in the area. Signage wasn't the best but you can follow google maps pretty easily down the stretch to the end where the wave organ is. It is a small outdoor art installation where you can hear the sounds of the ocean above ground during high tide. You have to press your ear up to the different pipes to hear the subtle sounds. Sitting in the "stereo booth" was my favorite part since you can just sit there quietly and listen. I guess your enjoyment can be affected by how busy it is since it is hard to hear if others are being noisy. We included this stop with our day long excursion wandering around the Presidio and spent maybe 15-20 min there at the end of the day to coincide with high tide. Can't stress the importance of checking out the tide schedule before showing up - https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=9414290&legacy=1 read more

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 read more

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Very interesting place. I loved just sat there and watch the view. Very quiet place with bridge view and Alcatraz view. read more

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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 read more

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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. read more

The Wave Organ - View from the organ to the bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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And I thought I've seen all the must-go-to places in San Francisco but it looks like there's always something new. I'm amazed how Alana and Nadine find all these interesting places when spent a day going around the city. Wave Organ was one of those places I've never ever heard of but thanks to my two hardcore yelp friends for taking me along with them to know more about this amazing city. Located in the Marina just a few steps from Palace of Fine Arts, parking was an issue so we drove to the end Yatch Road and parked at the designated parking spot for the admiral of the yatch club. I know, I know. It's silly but we spent only a few minutes. Is that excuse even acceptable? We explored the area as fast as we can. It's made of concrete slabs in different sizes and colors. Some of them made into benches to sit on while enjoying the view although we didn't have the time during that visit. There were also pipes in different sizes and shapes. The splashing of water and waves from the sea were supposed to make sounds through these pipes. I heard a subtle sound but not a lot. Apparently, they work best during high tides so I suggest visiting during those times. read more

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Sooooo relaxing! I wanted some fresh air & sun rays since the lockdown has everyone cooped up in the house (for good reason) and decided Wave Organ was a must stop and I'm glad to have came. The parking lot is closed due to the govt issued lockdown but I was lucky enough to have found a park across the street. A long stroll to the right of East Beach, towards the yatch club and you will end up at Wave Organ. However, do catch the views of the Golden Gate Bridge along your walk bc it is very beautiful on a non foggy day. Once you make it to the very end you'll spot Wave Organ very easily bc it has cement steps, seats and organs which if you put your ear close to them, you can hear the waves. I couldn't but that didn't stop me from having a seat & watching the waves crash. It so very relaxing and peaceful. read more

The Wave Organ - wave organ w/ a view of Alcatraz behind me. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Another one of Alana's cool bookmarks! Seems like someone (Peter Richards, designer, and George Gonzalez, sculptor) got a bright idea to install 25 PVC pipes at the edge of the ocean so that the waves would naturally enter them and make some sounds = natural music! This unusual art installation is connected with the Exploration and was dedicated in May 1986 to the late Frank Oppenheimer, its founding director and fundraiser. Cris, Alana, and I drove to the very end of Yacht Road, past a small sign, and parked in a reserved stall for a military officer. It didn't look like they were having any functions at the time and we wouldn't be there for long. The views along the walking path were fabulous. We saw Alcatraz, downtown San Francisco, and the Golden Gate Bridge! In the water, we saw a couple of sea lion heads bobbing up and down! It's too bad that we went when it wasn't high tide. We had a great time anyway and Cris could hear some music! Let's go again during high tide! read more

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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

Hmm. First, like our ancestors mention come to the Wave Organ during high tide. Basically the rougher the seas, the better the music! Something Jack Sparrow once taught me! Having said that it's hard to predict the tides, or the surf report, unless you're an avid surfer, or use a thing called "google", but hey, it's ok, I came over not knowing the ocean conditions, too. And yes, I surf & google lol. The Wave Organ is kinda sorta on the cusp of being urban legend. Some hate on it, some adore it. Others, like me, is somewhere in between. Yet, I'm sure if I did my tide homework I would have had a better experience. The location is in the Marina District on Yacht Road. Since it's where the yachts park, parking can be anyone's guess, unless you're Thurston Howell the III, therefore I'd suggest biking or bus/walking it. To me, half the journey was checking out the sites walking over. It's not that far from Marina Blvd. and the views of Golden Gate Bridge & Fort Mason... simply breathtaking! I had nothing to do on a quiet Sunday, so decided to do some urban hiking. After walking up to Coit Tower, the Maritime Park, and other spontaneous stops along the way, I decide to take a walk to the Wave Organ. If walking or biking I'd suggest taking the coastal route through Fort Mason. Thank me later! On weekends the Marina can get super busy and crowded, so take your time and watch traffic of all sorts coming and going. Once you reach Yacht Road it's only a short walk over. Keep walking... Finally, you'll see it at the very end of Yacht Road. Basically large pipes protruding from the ground. Maybe something from the pages of One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. Pretty rad actually. Someone as curious as you, or as lost as you, will also be there. For me, I had the honors of sharing time with tourists speaking French, Mandain, and Hindi! Probably more locals during the weekdays, but don't expect a solo trip with Sir Elton John! All in all, I'd recommend the Wave Organ, but I'd also suggest coming during higher tides if possible for the fullest effect. Lower your expectations too... although it's considered urban art gifted to San Francisco by the SF Exploratorium back in 1986, it's basically 25 PVC organ pipes that make funny gurgling sounds. The Wave Organ is dedicated to Frank Oppenheimer, the founding director of the Exploratorium, who sadly passed away months before construction began. Another tidbit, is that most of the foundation is salvaged from the old pre-civil war cemetery, Laurel Hill. Perhaps there's some truth to the urban legend here... Ohh, lastly, after sitting in the middle of all those tourists I found out the best way "to listen" to the waves was closing my eyes, ears to the pipes, and simply chilling! Maybe this is what's it all about! read more

The Wave Organ - Wave Organ... where urban art meets nature! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

A small little detour to see an installation. From here you can see the Golden Gate Bridge on one side and Alcatraz on the other. There are little pipes spaced all throughout the installation where you can tune into the sounds of the water. They didn't seem to work today but I know on other occasions I've heard them. The piece is sort of small but definitely something to view once at least. read more

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Go at high tide. Check the tide calendar: http://tides.mobilegeographics.com/calendar/year/5546.html When you've planned accordingly, come sit, relax, and enjoy the experience! It's such a unique way to listen to the ocean's music! read more

The Wave Organ - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

One word. Unique. In conjunction with the Exploratorium these artists created a granite hidden treasure that sparks the imagination. This lovely short walk to a truly one of a kind place in all of San Francisco, deserves credit. I enjoy the walk out, the smell of the sea air. Vista Skylines to the south, sand bars, little beaches, Bay Views, Alcatraz, and the wonders of the Pacific wildlife. At the end you reach a little park made of old building capitols and abandon gravestones. Emerging from them are PVC Piping that meets the waters edge. At special times of the day as the tides change, different pipes are slapped by water and a sound is carried to the seating area. Brilliant. Sit and enjoy this heavenly symphony. It is worth the walk and trip to point to view it. I love this place. Extreme chill zone where people from all over the world visit. read more

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I followed Google Maps to this address and was unsure where the Wave Organ was.. I parked on the wrong side of the parking lot. The wrong side meaning the furthest point of the parking lot to walk to the Wave Organ. I didn't see any signs pointing in its direction. My maps at this point wasn't useful because usually you could see if you were walking in the wrong direction. I couldn't. Christopher has a different phone, different carrier so he checked and it worked.. His maps pointed us in the right direction.. This was helpful because from where we parked you could go right or left and I had no idea what was on either side. One side was toward a beach and the other towards the Yacht Club. Wave Organ.. over by the Yacht Club.. built in the 80s.. it's a series of pipes designed to make sounds when water hits the submerged pipes. Their website links you to another site that shows you times for low and high tide. We went during high tide as recommended and I put my ear to a pipe and only heard waves crashing and Weezer. Someone sat at the Wave Organ with a Bluetooth speaker. read more

The Wave Organ - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

Cool free find for a quick stop by the shore with a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Convenient location and a short 2 min. walk to the pipe organ. Plan to spend 20 minutes overall including parking and visiting n read more

This place is so magical. Been here twice now and it was so peaceful both times. I love the little beach that is also connected to the strip. Lovely place if you're looking for some alone time with the waves and embracing the sounds of the ocean. read more

I think it got its name because you take the time to visit this stone sculpture expecting an organ, you will wave fifteen minutes goodbye. Walking the road from the parking lot was the best part of the experience because of the view of the Golden Gate and the waves crashing up and over the rocks. Otherwise it's merely a PVC pipe cemetery. As for the organ, I was expecting music but it sounded more like when you put your ear on a huge dog's stomach after he's eaten chocolate and half a shoe. At best, it sounds like someone with prostate problems peeing on a wind chime. read more

The Wave Organ - This place blows. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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.

Splish Splash The Wave Organ is one of those peculiar places unique to each San Francisco neighborhood. This one is built in the affluent Marina District by the shore of the bay just past the Golden Gate Yacht Club. It's got an ocean front view of the bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island and Alcatraz. This structure was constructed on a strip of man-made land in 1986 by the Exploratorium when it was still located by the Palace of Fine Arts on Baker St. It's at at the very tip of the the harbor and I would suggest parking between the St. Francis Yacht Club and Golden Gate Yacht Club. You can park on Marina Green, but there's no land bridge that connect you from the parking lot straight to this location. Unless you don't mind walking at least half a mile or more do get to this place and you are not in a rush and it could a nice leisurely stroll, especially if you bring your four-legged family member along. I remember exploring this place when I was a kid back in the 80's and it reminded me so much of an old Roman city ruin with all the stones and marbles stacked on top of one another. Years later, I find out that most of the marble used was salvaged from an old cemetery in the city. Gee, I wonder if some of those inhabitants disturbed by the move came along and moved her permanently. The organs are made from PVC pipes that connects to the bottom of the bay that creates different sounds of splashes and splishes when the waves hits these instruments. Suffice to say that the San Francisco Symphony is safe from their jobs, but you do get to hear a free "musical" orchestra with an assist from Mother Nature. I'm sure the little ones will get a kick out of it, unless they have their phones with 'em and are hunting for Pokemon. If I see one playing Pokemon here, I might grab their device and throw it in the bay. Hearing it plop in the water will be music to my ears. If the sound of the pipes are not doing it for you, at least the panoramic views of this place is gorgeous. I think I saw the Death Star in one of the photos. read more

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It was a delightful day. I can't remember when I was first treated to the Wave Organ. I know it was a long, long time ago. Another lifetime, really. And from the steps and benches that haven't changed I could look back over at what could have been. The color of the sky fit my occasional mood. The Wave Organ is the Yin to Chestnut Street's Yang. At the end of the jetty that points at Fort Mason from Bay it doesn't look like much more than a jumble of rocks. Which is excellent, for as if it did more of what stays on Bay would fill the jetty, and it's that absence that takes you out there in the first place. The Organ is made of pipes run to different depths into the space between the tides. At high tide they're mostl all submerged. The pressure of the wave action moves water up and down, forcing air in and out of the end nearest your ear, making wave music. The stones are from a cemetary that used to live where Laurel Village lives now. With luck the inhabitants were disinterred and redeposited someplace safer. That, or this explains why the LV Starbucks always felt a little odd. Early morning is the best time to come if your preference is just you and your solitude. Weekday afternoons are nice as well. At night I'd expect you could find somebody to stone you, if that was your pleasure. Parking is ample along Bay and in Fort Mason and a few public spots near the volleyball fields. Do go. I really think you'll like it. read more

The Wave Organ - Like Rome, a foreshadowing. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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A piece of Europe is immediately what I thought as j was walking the path towards this "island" of reflection and tranquility. Passing the yacht clubs and slowly away from the heavy foot traffic, I was certain this was what I was waiting for. Utilizing the waves this fun location creates organic music that is pumped out into these large pipelines. There's a few man-made steps and benches but it's is so peaceful! I found myself there for over an hour just looking at the beautiful views. Highly suggest using the bathroom before and having snacks/drinks on you if you get hungry. I can't really put into words how much this spot meant to me. But it's great for reflection purposes. & yes it's a poke gym but don't disturb those who are trying to make the most of this experience. read more

The Wave Organ - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Definitely worth a visit. It's just a super neat place - you are out on the end of this long pier and there are all these weird pipes coming out of the ground and various benches. And they make music! Kinda. But, really, it's cool. It is a better idea to come at high tide though - more music. Park at the East Beach Parking Lot for free and enjoy the stroll over while you check out the Yacht Harbor read more

This place is a lot smaller than it looked in the pictures. I imagined something big to explore like lands end, but it end up looking like a kiddie play structure. I thought the idea was very cool, but I honestly did not hear anything different and was kind of disappointed that I went out of my way for it. The area itself is pretty to look at since you can see most of sf and the bay. It's at the very end of a path and you have to walk down a few steps to get to it, but really there's not much of it. I went around 7ish in the evening and it got pretty cold there so make sure to bring a jacket if you decide to check it this out. I wouldn't recommend going out of your way for this, but if you're in the area it's nice to check out. Just keep your expectations low. read more

The Wave Organ - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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If there's one more place I can go to, it's the Wave Organ. Nice place to go to just for a stroll and an observation. Wanted to take a breather and look around; afterwards, I have to leave. The skies, the limit. After coming to Wave Organ one last time, I can finally the splashing sounds of sea waves. I can tell just by noticing the big splash unto the rocks nearby! It's all due to the full moon that was around in the middle of night while I was awake in bed. The fuller the moon, the higher the tide. It's quite a beauty to hear continuous splashing sounds. Some "organ" pipes are effective, the rest are not. I can hear the ones near the waters. Swing by Marina's hidden gem after you check the moon calendar. Once you hear the pipes, it's splashy music to your ears! read more