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Events Hero Potomac
Events Hero Potomac

Where would you like to go on the Bay, and what would you like to see? The USS Potomac offers cruise opportunities on the San Francisco Bay where you will see the bridges and islands, among many other wonderful sights.

While you cruise, you will hear about the history of the San Francisco Bay and FDR’s role in its development. Our public cruises include live narration from experienced, enthusiastic volunteers.

You may also choose to enjoy an hour-long docent-led dockside tour as a way to see and enjoy the ship. Walk in the footsteps of presidents and kings.

Public Cruises

The USS Potomac normally operates live-narrated San Francisco Bay public cruises from April through Veteran's Day in November. Emphasis is placed on the history of the Bay Area and the surrounding landmarks and the effect FDR’s administration had on the Bay Area. Guests may watch a 15-minute video in the Visitor Center prior to the cruise. The video provides a glimpse of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s use of the USS Potomac, emphasizes the impact of his administration on the country, and tells the USS Potomac restoration story.

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). The ship allows limited access for the mobility impaired. Wheelchairs are limited to the main deck only. Restrooms onboard the ship are not accessible as the maximum wheelchair width (outside of wheel to outside of wheel) is 25 inches. Accessible restrooms are available in the Port of Oakland Buildings next to the Potomac. USS Potomac docents and crew are not allowed to provide physical assistance to mobility impaired individuals; including lifting occupied wheelchairs over obstacles.

See Our Schedule and Purchase Tickets

Buy Tickets →

Tickets are NOT being sold over the phone OR at the USS Potomac Visitor's Center.

Safety Requirements While on the Vessel

The USS Potomac Association requires that all guests wear flat-soled shoes onboard. High heeled or platform shoes present a risk to the wearer. Vessels on the Bay can roll and pitch unexpectedly. Also, if guests partake in drinking alcohol, which may be served during an event, their stability will be more negatively affected by high heeled or platform shoes.

DO NOT carry food, drinks, or anything else in both hands while going up or down any ladders (stairs). This presents a significant safety risk to you should the ship roll or pitch unexpectedly.

THERE IS NO SMOKING OR VAPING ANYWHERE OR ANYTIME ON THE USS POTOMAC.

Proof of vaccination and masks are no longer required on the USS Potomac. HOWEVER, there are many confined spaces on the ship, so masks are optional for your protection and the protection of others.

Dockside Tours

Schedule

The USS Potomac is open for dockside tours on specified Wednesdays and Sundays. Tours are scheduled at 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM.

Tickets

Purchase tickets on the USS Potomac website. Tickets are only available online—they are not sold at the Visitor Center.

Docent-Led Tours

Tours begin with a 15-minute video in the Visitor Center followed by a 1-hour docent-led tour of the ship. The video provides a glimpse of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s use of the USS Potomac during his administration, and the USS Potomac’s restoration story.

Groups

For groups of 10 or more for Dockside tours, please call (510) 627-1215 BEFORE purchasing tickets. Special arrangements have to be made to schedule additional docents.

Prices

General Admission: $10.00
Admission for ages 9 and under: Free

Parking

Washington St Garage between 2nd St and Embarcadero St, one block from the USS Potomac. We do not validate parking.

Access

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). The ship allows limited access for the mobility impaired. Wheelchairs are limited to the main deck only. The restrooms onboard the ship are not wheelchair accessible as the maximum wheelchair width (outside of wheel to outside of wheel) is 25 inches. USS Potomac docents and crew are not allowed to provide physical assistance to mobility impaired individuals; including lifting occupied wheelchairs over obstacles.

Private Charters

The USS Potomac, President Roosevelt's floating White House, is available for private charter throughout the year. Whether for an anniversary, wedding, reception, corporate event, retirement party, memorial cruise, or any other occasion, the USS Potomac is a truly unique venue for any very special day. We offer a preferred caterer list or you may provide your own as long as the vendor follows our caterer guidelines.

For information on cruises or dockside charters, call (510) 627-1215 or email jpettley@usspotomac.org.

Ship Capacity

Maximum passenger load is 100 guests. Your catering servers are additional to your guest list.

Docking

The USS Potomac sails from the foot of Clay St in Jack London Square, Oakland, CA. Pickups & drop-offs may be available for your event at a San Francisco or Sausalito waterfront location. Approvals are required by the USS Potomac Executive Director after consultation with the ship's captains. If approved, additional charges will be incurred. For questions, please email jpettley@usspotomac.org.

Fees

For 2024, the fee for a minimum three-hour charter cruise on the USS Potomac starts at $8,500. Each additional hour is $1,500. For 501(c)3 nonprofits, the rate is $7,000 for a three-hour cruise. If you wish a pick up and drop off at San Francisco's Oracle Park or in Sausalito, there is an additional fee of $1,500. Dockside charters are $900 for the first hour. Each additional hour is $500. Nonprofit dockside charters are $800 for the first hour, and $500 each additional hour thereafter.

Fleet Week charter pricing is not included. Fleet Week charters are by special arrangement.

To set up your charter, please contact the Potomac office at jpettley@usspotomac.org or call (510) 627-1215.

Preferred Caterers

The USS Potomac has a preferred list of fine caterers; all have served successfully aboard the ship. These caterers are familiar with the unique requirements of the vessel. Find the Preferred Caterers List here.

Entertainers

Space is limited. Power accommodations are available and live entertainment and DJs are welcome aboard the Potomac bar. We can make suggestions for your entertainment needs. We have a full-ship Bogen Sound System with wireless mic; CDs, iPods, and smartphones can be accommodated.

Safety Requirements While on the Vessel

For the safety of you and your guests, the USS Potomac Association requires the wearing of flat-soled shoes while onboard. High heeled or platform shoes are not permitted, as they present a risk to the wearer. Vessels on the Bay can roll and pitch unexpectedly. Also, if your guests partake in drinking alcohol you serve during your event, their stability will be more negatively affected by high heeled or platform shoes.

DO NOT carry food, drinks, or anything else in both hands while going up or down any ladders (stairs). This presents a significant safety risk to you should the ship roll or pitch unexpectedly.

There is no smoking or vaping anywhere or anytime on the USS Potomac.

Docents

Two to four volunteer USS Potomac docents will be present for your event and are delighted to conduct informal tours for your guests.

Days and Times

The USS Potomac is NOT available for charter on Mondays and Tuesdays, except by special arrangement.

Access

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). The ship allows limited access for the mobility impaired. Wheelchairs are limited to the main deck only. The restrooms onboard the ship are not accessible. Restrooms are available at the dock near the Potomac. The maximum wheelchair width (outside of wheel to outside of wheel) is 25 inches. USS Potomac docents and crew are not allowed to provide physical assistance to mobility impaired individuals; including lifting occupied wheelchairs over obstacles.

Hear What Others Are Saying About Our Private Charters!

“The entire cruise truly exceeded my expectations in every way! My guests are STILL talking about it, and I will never forget such a memorable and moving day.”

– From a 50th wedding anniversary charter