The Wave Organ image

The Wave Organ

Tourist attraction Sculpture

Granite & marble bayside sculpture on a jetty featuring 25 organ pipes activated by waves. People often mention tide, hear, Wave, walk, sound, pipes, views, view, Organ, high,


Address

83 Marina Green Dr, San Francisco, CA 94123

Website

www.exploratorium.edu

Contact

(415) 528-4444

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (1.5K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: tide (13) hear (12) Wave (12) walk (10) sound (9) pipes (9) views (9) view (8) Organ (8) high (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Cheryl Y. 1 year ago on Google • 163 reviews
    This was a nice find and we decided to do the walk to get there. We visited around 1pm and was able to hear sound coming from four or five of the pipes. There were quite a few people there and the views are amazing. Great photo ops for Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, and to get a panoramic view of the city. Be prepared to walk about 10 to 15 minutes to get there but it is worth the walk.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Goesto R. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a cool place to visit. We barely heard anything because we were there at the wrong time but it is a cool place. Nice view of the city and the ocean, peaceful, there's a little cove-like sitting area to shield from the wind. Recommend.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 PIYUSH K. 9 months ago on Google
    This is few minutes away from Palace of Fine Arts, as the name portrays this place is famous to listen the sound of the waves, basically there are pipes under the sea and when waves hit the pipes the sound can be heard from different outlets present, one needs to walk almost a mile from the parking area. The car parking is free and I felt safer than other places of SF. You can have a beautiful look of the Golden Gate the Alcatraz Island.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 A K. 6 months ago on Google • 1304 reviews
    Just a short stroll from The Palace of Fine Arts, the The Wave Organ is good for waterfront walk. The sculpture itself is kind of rundown. The city view is stunning on a sunny day. Lots of photo opportunities here. The marina view is unique.

  • 5/5 R’vns 10 months ago on Google • 184 reviews
    Go here when it is bright and thru the sunset. I think we’ve spotted a sea lion at sunset. But it was a little dark. Looking towards the golden gate from this vantage point was amazing during the sunset. Highly recommend you check it out while you’re here.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mara M. 1 year ago on Google
    It’s a jetty made of old tombstones from now relocated cemeteries! Spooky fun, but so windy and cold! We didn’t visit at high tide but plan to again sometime. You can drive or walk in. (Don’t be discouraged by the signs for the private country club; you can walk through the parking lot, beyond the building, and along the waterside until you see a small faded sign labeled “Exploratorium Wave Organ, this way.”)
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dani H. 2 years ago on Google
    We were there at 2:30 pm which is apparently the wrong time so we didn’t hear any music. You’re supposed to go around high tide. That being said, it was really nice and peaceful and we could put our ears up to the pipes and hear the water which was a really nice and unique experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Waleed 1 year ago on Google
    Recommend a quick stop here. You can hear the different sound/music of the sea. The views are also great for the SF downtown and the GG Bridge as well
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lane S. 1 year ago on Google
    If the water is calm, you'll hear very little or nothing. However, the views back towards land and the Golden Gate Bridge are great!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christopher H. 2 years ago on Google
    A real nice place to take a break and hang out for a bit. I didn't hear very many sounds, and it was quite a windy and wavy day. Still beautiful, lightly populated, and quite serene.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Peter R. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing panoramic views. Low tide means no wave music just FYI 😂. Worth the trek!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 lauren f. 2 years ago on Google
    It was beautiful. Tide was low so you couldn't hear many of the pipes but the view surrounding it more than made up for it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ryan P. 10 months ago on Google
    This is a very cool place to visit, you can real hear noises made by the ocean below!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Andrew E. 6 months ago on Google • 290 reviews
    As a keen Atlas Obscura follower, I was aware of the wave organ and its ability to make sound from the incoming waves, told that high tide was the best way to hear it, we headed down there and whilst the view was excellent and the low flying pelicans incredible, the organ did not deliver the sound we had hoped for, more a gurgling than a crescendo. We took a chance on a quiet day and drove almost all the way through the yacht club right close to the organ and hoped for no tow truck to turn up in the 15 minutes we spent there, and succeeded in saving ourselves a major hike from the official car park space.

  • 2/5 Dan 3 months ago on Google • 148 reviews New
    It doesn’t work when high tide and when low tide either. You can’t name something Wave Organ and this something does nothing but BLOOP sound. Of course there are nice views all around (and actually second star just for that) but I came few times to listen this piece of art and it was DEAD

  • 5/5 Zamir M. 3 months ago on Google • 122 reviews New
    Nestled along the San Francisco shoreline, The Wave Organ is a unique and enchanting installation that transforms the rhythm of the tides into a mesmerizing auditory experience. My recent visit left me captivated by the interplay of nature, art, and the soothing melodies that emanate from this one-of-a-kind creation. Highlights: Sonic Ocean Harmony: The Wave Organ's genius lies in its ability to harness the natural ebb and flow of the tides, translating them into melodic tones that resonate through a series of carefully placed pipes. The result is a captivating symphony created by the sea itself. Scenic Waterfront Location: The installation is strategically positioned along the picturesque San Francisco waterfront, providing visitors with stunning views of the bay, Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge. The combination of auditory and visual stimuli makes for a truly immersive experience. Calming Atmosphere: The serene ambiance at The Wave Organ creates a peaceful retreat within the bustling city. It's an ideal spot for contemplation, relaxation, or simply enjoying the calming melodies while surrounded by the beauty of the coastal environment. Integration with Nature: The Wave Organ's integration with its natural surroundings is a testament to thoughtful design. The use of stone, the placement of the pipes, and the symbiotic relationship with the changing tides showcase a harmonious union between art and nature. Off-the-Beaten-Path Charm: While not as widely known as some tourist attractions, The Wave Organ's off-the-beaten-path charm adds to its allure. The quieter setting allows for a more intimate connection with the installation and the surrounding environment. Areas for Improvement: Enhancing informational signage to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the Wave Organ's concept and design could add to the overall appreciation of this unique art installation. Conclusion: The Wave Organ stands as a testament to the creative possibilities when art and nature converge. Whether you're an art enthusiast, nature lover, or someone seeking a tranquil escape in the heart of San Francisco, a visit to The Wave Organ promises a unique and harmonious experience that resonates on multiple levels.

  • 4/5 Inky I. 5 months ago on Google • 23 reviews
    The concept is really interesting and caught my curiosity. Maybe it was not the right moment, right tide level or weather conditions but it turned out not to be at the audio level of expectations actually. Just some of the pipes made a discreet gurgling sound at the condition of approaching the ear ver close. Yet it's still an interesting idea, even if I didn't witness it at full potential. The sculpture pleasantly evokes ancient remains of a lost civilization like in the books having fed my dreams of adventures as a child, and the spot is top notch. Right in the middle of the bay you're surrounded by water in all directions, away from the big city and its noises, and have a fantastic view on the skyline, the golden gate brigde and Alcatraz, while the boats of the yacht club gently swing in the wavelets and flights of pelicans skim the surface of water. Very quiet and poetic, and worth the detour if only for that reason.

  • 5/5 John G. 1 year ago on Google
    I always try to swing by here when I'm in the area. It's one of the few places where you can get unobstructed panoramic views of the SF Bay at sea level for free. The Wave Organ wasn't too loud since the tide was on the lower side. It's a 5-7 minute walk from the parking lot, so be prepared to face the chilly December winds. If you're up for it, head down onto the sand and enjoy either of the two micro-beaches!

  • 3/5 Alvaro R. 2 months ago on Google • 15 reviews New
    Only one of the organ pipes work. But the spot has great views of the Golden Gate, Alcatraz, and San Francisco.

  • 4/5 Vincent L. 1 year ago on Google
    An interesting point of interest just a short walk past the yacht club at the end of the path. We are supposed to be able to hear the pipe making sound by the wave but maybe the tide was not high enough so we couldn't hear anything. It's interesting that they recycled some stones with nice carvings from Laurel Hill Cemetery in San Francisco's Laurel Heights to construct this structure.

  • 4/5 Marc A. 1 year ago on Google
    It’s a lovely place to hang out and see the sights in the bay. There’s a great view of Alcatraz and the two bridges. When we were there, during low tide, the organ was completely mute. The signs say it’s best during high tide.

  • 3/5 Denis C. 1 year ago on Google
    Interesting little exhibition that you can visit for free. It's only worth visiting if you have plenty of time. Don't make any detour just to come here.

  • 4/5 Stefani 1 year ago on Google
    Pretty cool, but not really worth going unless it’s near high tide. Went at low tide and didn’t hear anything. Still a cool thing to see, with great views of the bridge. It’s about a 10 minute walk from where you park to get to the organ

  • 5/5 Jesús P. 1 year ago on Google
    One of my favorites, a lesser known spot super close to Crissy Field and the Palace. You can sit here and stare at the Bay (or SF cityscape depending on what you prefer) for hours while listening to the churning tides.


Call (415) 528-4444 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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