Take a cruise on President Franklin D. Roosevelt's historic floating White House from 1936 to 1945

Step back into presidential history aboard this National Historic Landmark historic to cruise around San Francisco Bay on the only presidential yacht still in operation today. Beautifully restored, Potomac holds a unique place in our nation's history, a story told in our Visitor's Center and heard from our knowledgeable docents who will be on board with you.

The 2025 Season opens on Sunday, April 27, with our first two-hour cruises scheduled for May 10, 17, and 29. Use the calendar on this page to peruse 2025 dates for all of our two-hour cruises.

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 New Deal programs had on the Bay Area.

For all cruises, please plan to arrive 45 minutes early for check-in and to watch the 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.

Please Note

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 dispensed water are available complimentary.

Capacity

The USS Potomac has a maximum capacity of 109 passengers for two-hour cruises.

Duration

Two Hours

And More Cruising Ahead!

Be sure to check out our cruise dashboard throughout the year for all events and cruises, including our three-hour cruises when lunch is provided, and others that have special themes.

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

Accessibility

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). Due to stairs between decks and high thresholds at some doorways, the ship has limited access for some mobility impaired.

Wheelchairs are limited to the main deck only and are NOT accessible to the bathrooms onboard due to narrow doorways and a short step down. Accessible bathrooms are available dockside, close to the Potomac. The maximum wheelchair width (outside of wheel to outside of wheel) is 25 inches. Walkers and canes are permitted and the passenger will need to assess their own level of mobility for safely using stairs to access upper or lower decks. USS Potomac docents and crew are not permitted to provide physical assistance to mobility impaired individuals; including lifting occupied wheelchairs over obstacles.

For questions, call us at 510-627-1215.

A Non-profit 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!