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. The cruises are live narrated, with docents pointing out and describing sights around the bay!

What We Offer

2-Hour Sightseeing Sail Aboard the USS Potomac - Dates include:

• 9/27/25 at 10:30am
• 10/18/25 at 10:30am
• 11/8/25 at 10:30am
• 11/20/25 at 10:30am
• 11/29/25 at 1:30pm

3-Hour Sightseeing Sail with Lunch Aboard the USS Potomac - Dates include:

• 9/13/25 at 10:30am
• 10/25/25 at 12:00pm
• 11/11/25 at 10:30am

Location: Departing from 540 Water Street at Jack London Square in Oakland, California

60-Minute Dockside Tour of the USS Potomac, valid Sundays and Wednesdays

• Sundays tours are at 12:30pm and 2:00pm
• Wednesdays tours are at 11:00am and 12:30pm
• Tours operate weekly through 12/28/25

About The Cruises

2-Hour Cruise

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. While cruising, guests may elect to take either 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!

3-Hour Cruise with Lunch

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. While cruising, guests may elect to take a docent-led or self-guided tour of the ship.

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, with beer and wine available for purchase. Box lunches are distributed at about 11:45. If you need snacks, please feel free to bring them with you.

Dockside Tour

On the tour, you will see the president's private cabin, his ''saloon'' dining room and galley, and the fantail area where FDR often hosted his guests, or relaxed with a fishing pole or cocktail. You will also see the Potomac's crew, guest, and officer quarters, the engine room and wheelhouse, and the radio room from where FDR once broadcast to the nation. You'll hear about the visits of the King and Queen of England on the Potomac, and how FDR twice used for secret rendezvous with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

About the USS Potomac

Built in 1934, the US Coast Guard cutter Electra was recommissioned and converted in 1936 by the US Navy to serve as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidential yacht. Renamed USS Potomac, the ship served FDR until his death in April, 1945. More than half a million people have visited and cruised aboard the Potomac, a National Historic Landmark, since she was opened to the public at Jack London Square in Oakland, California, in the summer of 1995 after a 14-year, $5 million restoration.

At 165-feet-long, the ship was used by FDR for leisure time and to host dignitaries, high government officials, diplomats, kings and queens, and family members. Today, the Potomac is dedicated to the story of FDR who, as the 32nd president of the United States, led the nation through the Great Depression and World War II. He also authored the New Deal post-war rebuilding plan which included, among many local projects, the construction of the Golden Gate and San Francisco Bay bridges.

Whether for leisure time fishing or conducting the business of government, the USS Potomac figured prominently in FDR's presidential life, and you can hear all about her history during your visit on board!