Wave Organ, San Francisco: Ticket prices, hours & visitor guide (2026)

Discover the history and visiting details for the Wave Organ, a unique acoustic sculpture located on the shores of San Francisco Bay.

The Wave Organ in San Francisco is notable for being a tidal-powered musical instrument made of carved stone and marble. Visitors can expect to hear gurgling, low-frequency sounds created by the movement of San Francisco Bay tides. Created in 1986, it sits at the end of a jetty in the Marina District between Fisherman’s Wharf and Fort Point at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The Wave Organ: at a glance

The most surprising thing I found when visiting was the lack of any formal entrance or gate. The Wave Organ is an outdoor public art installation and is entirely free to visit. It is accessible 24 hours a day, though the experience depends entirely on the tide schedule.

The sounds are subtle and often require leaning in close to the concrete pipes. When I checked the tides, I realised that high tide is the only time the music is truly audible. It is a quiet, contemplative spot far from the city’s usual tourist noise.

The Wave Organ is completely free for everyone. There are no staff members on-site and no booking fees. You can stay for as long as you like without spending a cent.

You should, however, budget for parking meters if you drive to the Marina Green. Most visitors simply walk from nearby Crissy Field to save money.

What time does the Wave Organ open? Visiting hours

The site is technically open 24 hours a day. However, visiting at the wrong time can be a letdown. If the tide is out, the pipes remain silent.

I strongly recommend checking a tide table before your walk. The best sounds occur during high tide or when the water is choppy. During low tide, the sculpture is just a collection of silent stone benches.

The path can be quite rugged and uneven. Because there are no tickets, there is no one to manage crowd flow. It rarely gets crowded, but weekend afternoons are the busiest times for locals.

History of the Wave Organ: background and context

The Wave Organ was designed by artist Peter Richards and built by George Gonzales. It opened in May 1986 as a project for the Exploratorium. The site was chosen for its natural acoustic potential within the bay.

The materials used are reclaimed stone from the demolished Laurel Hill Cemetery. You can still see carved marble and granite pieces within the structure. This gives the site a somewhat haunting, historic feel.

The installation features 25 PVC and stone pipes at various elevations. As waves enter the pipes, they trap pockets of air. This creates the unique blooping sounds that characterise the organ.

Inside the Wave Organ: what to see

There is no inside to this structure as it is entirely outdoors. You should look for the carved stone benches built into the jetty. These provide a place to sit and listen to the pipes.

The stone masonry is quite impressive to see up close. Many pieces are repurposed Victorian cemetery stones. I found the contrast between the old marble and modern PVC pipes quite striking.

The view from the jetty is one of the best in the city. You have a clear line of sight to Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge. It is a popular spot for landscape photographers at sunset.

What’s included with your Wave Organ visit?

• Full access to the stone sculpture and seating.
• Panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline.
• The acoustic performance provided by the tides.
• Access to the walking trails along the jetty.

Things to do near the Wave Organ: nearby attractions

• The Exploratorium (3.2 miles, 12-minute drive) – The paid science museum that helped create the organ.
• Palace of Fine Arts (0.9 miles, 18-minute walk) – A free historic landmark with a lagoon and rotunda.
• Fort Mason Center (1.2 miles, 25-minute walk) – A cultural hub featuring galleries and paid events.
• Alcatraz Island Tours (3.5 miles to pier, 15-minute drive) – Famous paid prison tours leaving from Pier 33. Make sure you get the audio guide if you do an Alcatraz tour.
• Crissy Field (0.5 miles, 10-minute walk) – A free recreation area ideal for walking and cycling.

Other highlights relatively nearby include the Walt Disney Family Museum and the California Academy of Sciences.

Practical tips for the Wave Organ

• Location: Located at the end of the jetty past the St. Francis Yacht Club.
• Getting there: Walk from Marina Green; there is no direct bus to the organ.
• Time needed: Allow 30 to 45 minutes for the walk and listening.
• Photography: Photography is permitted and encouraged for personal use.
• Dress code: The jetty is exposed and windy; wear layers and sturdy shoes.
• Accessibility: The path is gravel and uneven, making it difficult for some wheelchairs.

FAQs: the Wave Organ

More California travel

Other California travel articles on Planet Whitley include:

• Review of the Tonga Room tiki bar in San Francisco.
• How much does the San Francisco to Sausalito ferry cost?
• Complete guide to day tours to Monterey and Carmel from San Francisco.
• Inside Hearst Castle – the most expensive home ever built.
• The Grove of the Titans – seeing giant redwoods in Jebediah Smith Redwoods State Park.