The schlieren method has been used for visualization of the interaction of acoustic fields and solid surfaces. The reradiated waves caused by an incident pulse are observed at different positions by strobe schlieren systems. Individual cycles can be displayed in an acoustic wave, and thus phase information is available in a visualizationsystem that utilizes a very short optical illumination by means of a strobed high-power laser. Color schlieren pictures permit visualization of small-amplitude effects in the presence of larger-amplitude (brighter) fields. A movie is shown demonstrating the usefulness of observing wave motion and changing effects with changing experimental conditions. Applications of schlieren visualization to basic studies of wave phenomena, nondestructive testing, and radiation pressures are shown.