All Ages Welcome! • 1 Hour • Cruise with a Special North Pole Visitor Onboard
Celebrate the holidays with a magical one-hour cruise aboard the historic USS Potomac in Oakland, California. Enjoy festive decorations, warm drinks, and a special appearance by Santa, making it a perfect family-friendly seasonal adventure on San Francisco Bay.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, including young children and seniors
Wildlife
History
The USS Potomac served as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidential yacht for nearly 13 years and played a significant role in mid-20th century naval history.
Conservation
The cruise operator emphasizes eco-friendly practices to protect San Francisco Bay’s delicate marine ecosystem, including waste reduction and clean fueling methods.
USS Potomac Association
All Ages Welcome! • 1 Hour • Cruise with a Special North Pole Visitor Onboard
The USS Potomac Association preserves and operates the USS Potomac, Franklin D. Roosevelt's historic presidential yacht, from Oakland, California. The Association offers a range of public experiences that combine maritime heritage with scenic San Francisco Bay views. Visitors can take one-hour dockside tours year-round to walk through FDR’s private cabin, dining room, and the engine room while learning stories of presidential use, royal visits, and notable onboard events.
Beyond dockside access, the Association schedules narrated sightseeing cruises that highlight regional history and landmarks, including two-hour and three-hour options with opportunities to explore the ship. Seasonal special events feature curated experiences such as wine tasting with Rosenblum Cellars on the Summer Solstice, beer tasting with Oakland United Beerworks, live-music cruises, and signature holiday sails like the July 4th fireworks cruise departing Jack London Square. Fleet Week offerings include Blue Angels viewing cruises with expert narration and parade-of-ships participation for a limited number of passengers.
The Association operates as a steward of a nationally recognized historic vessel and works with knowledgeable docents to ensure accurate interpretation and a respectful visitor experience. Ticketed events, scheduled dates, and special programming are published in advance, and reservations are recommended for limited-capacity cruises. The USS Potomac Association focuses on historic preservation, education, and providing safe, well-organized public access to an important piece of American maritime and presidential history.
Location
Oakland, CA
Based on the Oakland waterfront
Dockside Tours
Year‑round
One‑hour guided visits
Special Cruises
Seasonal events
Music, wine, beer, Fleet Week
Historic Vessel
FDR's yacht
Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidential yacht
Limited seating on specialty cruises — book tickets now to secure your date and experience FDR’s presidential yacht.
Dress Warmly for Bay Breezes
Even on short cruises, temperatures on the water can be cooler than on land, so bring layers to stay comfortable.
Arrive Early for Boarding
Allow ample time to check in and find your boarding spot to ensure a smooth start to your cruise.
Bring a Camera
Capture joyful moments with Santa and the scenic bay views—it’s a memorable photo opportunity!
Supervise Children Near Railings
For safety, keep a close watch on kids, especially near the ship’s edges during the cruise.
Warm Jacket
Bay waters can be chilly; a warm jacket keeps you comfortable during the cruise.
winter
Camera or Smartphone
Ideal for capturing festive moments and the stunning bay scenery.
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during the cruise, environmental friendly option.
Small Backpack or Tote
Useful for carrying extra layers, snacks, or souvenirs.