Visit Franklin D. Roosevelt's historical presidential yacht, known as his "Floating White House," from 1936 to 1945. Brought through the Panama Canal in the early 1960s, the ship is fully restored to her presidential glory. Berthed at Jack London Square in Oakland, Potomac has been providing cruises to the general public in San Francisco Bay since 1995. She is the only former historic Navy vessel still in daily operation and the only memorial to FDR on the West Coast.

About

Come aboard the USS Potomac for a beautiful cruise around San Francisco Bay! Enjoy picturesque views of the San Francisco waterfront, Alcatraz, Angel Island, the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge, while learning of the rich history of surrounding landmarks and the impacts FDR's administration had on Bay Area landmarks.

The cruises are live narrated, with docents pointing out and describing sights around the bay. Some cruises in addition have special topic narrations as noted and described. All three-hour cruises include a box lunch with beer and wine available for purchase.

Duration, Timing, and Location

Three Hours, departing on time from 540 Water Street at Jack London Square in Oakland, California

More Details

Arrive 45 minutes early to the Potomac Visitor Center for check-in and, if you wish, to watch a 15-minute video that provides a glimpse of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s use of the USS Potomac. The video retraces the impact of his administration on the nation, and tells the USS Potomac restoration story. While cruising, guests may elect to take a docent-led or self-guided tour of the ship.

On a typical cruise, we'll see all kinds of water craft, from container and cruise ships to luxury sailboats to kayakers. We'll also see sailboarders and windsurfers, and marine life, from harbor seals to flocks of soaring waterfowl. There is something for everyone!

Your three-hour cruise includes a delicious box lunch which is comprised of your choice of a deli-style turkey, beef or veggie sandwich (while selections last), a side of potato salad, piece of fruit, and a cookie, brownie, or similar dessert. Coffee, tea, and water are also provided. Box lunches are distributed at about 11:45. If you need snacks, please feel free to bring them with you.

For your safety, flat-soled shoes are required as the ship has steep stairways, some uneven surfaces, and she is moving over water.

Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Capacity

The USS Potomac's three-hour cruises have a maximum capacity of 107 passengers.

Accessibility

Built in 1934, 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).

While many people with mobility challenges frequently come aboard successfully on Potomac, there are a few accessibility issues to be aware of.

Due to steep stairs between decks and high thresholds at some doorways, the ship may have limited access for some mobility impaired. The maximum wheelchair width (outside of wheel to outside of wheel) is 25 inches. As such, wheelchairs are limited to the main deck only (there is still plenty to see and experience from this vantage).

The bathrooms onboard have narrow doorways and a small step into them. Fully accessible public bathrooms are available dockside, close to the Potomac.

Please note that USS Potomac docents and crew are not permitted to provide physical assistance to mobility impaired individuals; including lifting occupied wheelchairs over obstacles.

For 2025

The 2025 Season officially opens on Sunday, April 27, with our Opening Day on the Bay cruise, followed by a cruise on May 5. Use the calendar on this page to peruse 2025 dates for all of our three-hour cruises.

And More Cruising!

Be sure to check out our cruise dashboard throughout the year for all events and cruises, some with special themes.

Among these, you'll experience a Tour of Ships of the Bay, Summer Solstice Wine Tasting, Elvis Live on Board! (yup, the King himself!), and Music on the Potomac featuring popular Bay Area bands.

While cruising on the Potomac, you'll enjoy picturesque views of the San Francisco skyline and waterfront, as well as lighthouses, islands, and bridges, while learning of the rich history of surrounding landmarks and the impacts FDR's administration had on the Bay Area.

Call our office for more information at 510-627-1215.

For all cruises, please plan to arrive 45 minutes early for check-in and to watch a 15-minute video in the Visitor Center about the history of the USS Potomac.

The video provides a glimpse of FDR's use of the Potomac, retraces the impact of his administration on the nation, and tells the USS Potomac restoration story. While cruising, guests may elect to take either a docent-led or self-guided tour of the ship.

Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Food is not served on our two-hour morning cruises but you are welcome to bring your own snack.

Coffee, tea, and water are available complimentary, however, donations are gratefully accepted.

A Nonprofit Organization

The USS Potomac Association, which owns and operates the Potomac, is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization at Jack London Square in Oakland, California. It is not affiliated with any political party but is dedicated to telling the story of the life and times of the 32nd president of the United States while he used the vessel during his presidency - a consequential time in American history.

Potomac, which is featured in the Ken Burns docuseries "The Roosevelts" even played some important roles for the president during World War II, a topic you will hear about in your tour of Potomac.

The Potomac Association is run primarily by highly dedicated volunteers who have a shared vision of preservation and care of this National Historic Landmark, the only artifact or site dedicated to FDR's presidential legacy on the West Coast. We also run an education program in which we take out some 1500 school children each year, some for the first time on the water, to experience Potomac and the bay waters.

Preservation of this national historic treasure comes with high cost. Your purchase of tickets for Potomac cruises goes to this cause and we gratefully accept donations to help with our preservation and maintenance activities.

If you wish to, when booking your trip, there is an option to add a donation or you can do so on our website at www.usspotomac.org. Another method is to mail a check to USS Potomac Association, 540 Water Street, Oakland, Calif. 94607. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.

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

We appreciate your support of our cruises and mission!