Step aboard the USS Potomac for a unique beer tasting cruise featuring craft brews from Oakland United Beerworks. Enjoy historic views, vintage vibes, and tasty beers on September 19 in Oakland.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as most of the experience involves sitting and light walking during boarding and disembarking.
Wildlife
History
The USS Potomac served as President Roosevelt’s floating White House between 1936 and 1945, carrying him on numerous diplomatic and personal trips.
Conservation
The USS Potomac Association works to preserve the yacht and promote sustainable boating practices to protect the San Francisco Bay's ecosystem.
USS Potomac Association
Step aboard the USS Potomac for a unique beer tasting cruise featuring craft brews from Oakland United Beerworks. Enjoy historic views, vintage vibes, and tasty beers on September 19 in Oakland.
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.
Arrive Early for Boarding
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to ensure smooth boarding and get settled comfortably.
Dress in Vintage Attire
Embrace the 1930s theme by wearing vintage-inspired clothing to enhance the experience and get into the spirit.
Stay Hydrated
Though beer tasting is the highlight, drink water alongside to stay hydrated throughout the cruise.
Bring Light Jacket
Evenings on the water can get cool, so a light jacket is recommended, especially as the sun sets.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Protects against evening chill and wind on the water.
fall
Comfortable Shoes
Non-slip shoes help board the historic yacht safely and comfortably.
Sunglasses
Protects eyes from glare when cruising during daylight hours.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Capture scenic views of the Bay Bridge, skyline, and historic vessel.