Cruise aboard FDR's historic presidential yacht, the USS Potomac, while enjoying spectacular views of San Francisco Bay. Learn about the region’s past during this engaging three-hour trip, complete with a delicious lunch and live narration.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Ideal for all fitness levels; mostly seated with some light walking aboard the ship.
Wildlife
History
The USS Potomac served as FDR’s presidential yacht and played a key role in naval diplomacy during the 1930s and 1940s.
Conservation
The USS Potomac Association emphasizes preserving maritime heritage and promotes environmentally responsible cruising practices in the bay.
USS Potomac Association
Cruise aboard FDR's historic presidential yacht, the USS Potomac, while enjoying spectacular views of San Francisco Bay. Learn about the region’s past during this engaging three-hour trip, complete with a delicious lunch and live narration.
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 20 minutes before departure to ensure smooth boarding and to get settled comfortably on the vessel.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The ship’s decks have uneven surfaces, so closed-toe shoes with good grip will keep you steady while exploring.
Bring Layers
Bay weather can shift quickly, especially on the water, so dress in layers to stay warm or cool through the cruise.
Protect Your Camera
Expect occasional wind and spray on the bay; use a protective case or lens cover to keep your gear safe.
Light Jacket or Windbreaker
Keeps you warm against cool bay winds and changing temperatures.
fall
Sunscreen
Protects your skin during sunny stretches on deck.
summer
Binoculars
Enhances distant views of landmarks and wildlife on the bay.
Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is easy and eco-friendly during your cruise.