Visit The Floating White House Without Ever Leaving The Dock!

Capacity

Dockside tours have a capacity of 10 people per docent-led group. If your group will be more than 10 people, please call the Potomac office BEFORE booking your tour at (510) 627-1215 as we need to arrange for additional docents. Thank you!

Duration

One Hour

About

Come aboard for an hour-long docent-led dockside tour as a way to see and enjoy the ship. Walk in the footsteps of presidents and kings!

Tours begin with a 15-minute video in the Visitor Center followed by a docent-led tour of the ship at the dock. The video provides a glimpse of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s use of the USS Potomac, emphasizes the impact of his administration on the country, and tells the USS Potomac restoration story.

On the tour, you will see the president's private cabin, his "saloon" dining room and galley, and the fantail area where FDR often hosted his guests, or relaxed with a fishing pole or cocktail.

You will also see the Potomac's crew, guest, and officer quarters, the engine room and wheelhouse, and the radio room from where FDR once broadcast to the nation.

You'll hear about the visits of the King and Queen of England on the Potomac, and how FDR twice used for secret rendezvous with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Whether for leisure time fishing or conducting the business of government, the USS Potomac figured prominently in FDR's presidential life, and you can hear all about her history during your visit on board!

More information and Accessibility Notes

• Minors must be accompanied by an adult. -Flatsoled shoes are recommended for touring the ship due to uneven surfaces and stairs between decks.
• The Presidential Yacht USS Potomac is a historically preserved vessel. As such, it does not fully comply with the facility access standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ship allows has some access limitations for the mobility impaired.

Wheelchair access is limited to the main deck only, but NOT the restrooms onboard the ship. The maximum wheelchair width (outside of wheel to outside of wheel) is 25 inches. USS Potomac docents and crew are not allowed to provide physical assistance to mobility impaired individuals; including lifting occupied wheelchairs over obstacles.

Please note: Beginning March 26, 2025 a 2% banking credit card transaction fee is added to your ticket purchase.