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 of the Bay and the islands of the Bay, among many other wonderful sights.
While you cruise, you will learn 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. Enjoy a 45-minute docent-led dockside tour.
Public Sightseeing/History Cruises & Events
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. Wheelchair access is limited to the main deck only, but NOT the restrooms onboard the ship. 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.
Purchase Tickets and See Our Schedule Below
Tickets are NOT being sold over the phone OR at the USS Potomac Visitor's Center.
Proof of vaccination and masks are no longer required on the USS Potomac. HOWEVER, there are many confined spaces on the ship, so we recommend that everyone wears a mask that covers the mouth and nose when inside any enclosed space. This is for your protection and the protection of others.
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.
Dockside Tours
Schedule
The USS Potomac is open for dockside tours on specified Thursdays and Sundays. Tours are scheduled at 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM. As additional dates are added to the schedule, this webpage will be updated.
Tickets
Purchase here through Fareharbor.com. They are not available on the USS Potomac website nor at the Visitor's Center.
Docent-Led Tours
Tours begin with a 15-minute video in the Visitor Center followed by a 45-minute to 1-hour docent-led tour of the ship. The video provides a glimpse of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s use of the USS Potomac, emphasizing the impact of his administration on the country, and the USS Potomac’s restoration story.
Groups
For groups of 10 or more, please call (510) 627-1215 BEFORE purchasing tickets. Special arrangements have to be made to schedule 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. Wheelchair access is limited to the main deck only, but NOT the restrooms onboard the ship. 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. Consider the USS Potomac all through the year for your special events. Whether it is an anniversary, wedding, reception, promotion, memorial cruise, or any other occasion, the USS Potomac is a truly unique venue for any very special day. This National Historic Landmark is a Coast Guard certified vessel and regularly cruises on the San Francisco Bay.
For information on cruises or dockside charters, call (510) 627-1215 or email friends@usspotomac.org
Ship Capacity
Maximum guest passenger load is 100 people. For events with food and beverage service, 80–90 passengers is recommended.
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.
Fees
The fee for a minimum three-hour charter cruise on the USS Potomac starts at $8,000. Each additional hour is $1,100. Nonprofit rate is $6000 for three hours. Dockside charters are $900 for the first hour. Each additional hour is $500. Nonprofit charters are $700 for the first hour, and $400 each additional hour thereafter.
Fleet Week pricing is not included. Charters are by special arrangement.
For all charters, there will be an additional cleaning charge of $500.
To set up your charter, please contact the Potomac office at info@usspotomac.org or call (510) 627-1215.
Reduced Fees
Non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations may qualify for a reduced rate. Contact the Executive Director at fordroosevelt@usspotomac.org with any rate requests.
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
Limited space and power accommodations are available for live entertainment and DJs. We can make suggestions for your entertainment needs. We also 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 and assist in any way required.
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. Wheelchair access is limited to the main deck only, but NOT the restrooms onboard the ship. 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.
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Shop USS Potomac Merchandise
USS Potomac merchandise is for sale onboard the USS Potomac during cruises and in the USS Potomac Visitor Center.