Celebrate the summer solstice with a wine tasting cruise aboard the historic USS Potomac in Oakland. Enjoy wines from Rosenblum Cellars, vintage vibes, and stunning bay sunset views.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Ideal for all fitness levels as the cruise involves mostly sitting and light walking on deck.
Wildlife
History
The USS Potomac served as President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s official presidential yacht during the 1930s and played a key role in U.S. naval history.
Conservation
The USS Potomac Association promotes sustainable tourism by maintaining the vessel with environmentally-friendly practices and educating guests on maritime heritage.
USS Potomac Association
Celebrate the summer solstice with a wine tasting cruise aboard the historic USS Potomac in Oakland. Enjoy wines from Rosenblum Cellars, vintage vibes, and stunning bay sunset views.
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 30 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in and to get settled on the ship.
Dress in Vintage Attire
Embrace the 1930s theme with vintage clothing to fully enhance your cruise experience and photos.
Bring a Light Jacket
Even in summer, evenings on the bay can be cool and breezy, so a jacket will keep you comfortable.
Limit Alcohol Intake
Enjoy wine tastings responsibly to ensure everyone’s safety aboard the ship.
Light Jacket
Keep warm in the cool bay breeze during evening cruises.
summer
Vintage-Style Clothing
Enhance your experience by dressing in vintage 1930s attire as suggested.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Capture stunning sunset views and memorable moments aboard the USS Potomac.
Comfortable Non-Slip Shoes
Ensure stable footing on the deck and stairs of the historic yacht.