USS Potomac August 2013
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USS Potomac

4.8
·56 reviews·Oakland, United States

Explore Franklin D. Roosevelt's 'floating White House,' the historic USS Potomac, on a scenic San Francisco Bay cruise.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more intimate experience

CrowdLow
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USS Potomac August 2013

USS Potomac

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more intimate experience

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Franklin D. Roosevelt's 'floating White House,' the historic USS Potomac, on a scenic San Francisco Bay cruise.

4.8
(56 reviews)

"A wonderful experience, highly recommend this over other bay cruises for history and views!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🧥 Dress in Layers

Bay winds can be chilly! Bring a jacket or sweater, even on sunny days. ☁️

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Cruises are popular; secure your spot in advance to avoid disappointment. 🎟️

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 56 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Presidential Yacht Experience

Presidential Yacht Experience

Onboard the USS Potomac

Step aboard Franklin D. Roosevelt's former presidential yacht, the 'floating White House.'

Scenic San Francisco Bay Cruise

Scenic San Francisco Bay Cruise

Sailing the San Francisco Bay

Enjoy breathtaking views of the bay, Alcatraz, and the city skyline from the historic deck.

Instagram
Knowledgeable Volunteer Guides

Knowledgeable Volunteer Guides

Onboard the USS Potomac

Engage with passionate volunteers who share fascinating stories and historical details.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Cruise in Advance

The USS Potomac offers scenic bay cruises, which are popular and can sell out. Booking your ticket online ahead of time ensures your spot and avoids disappointment, especially for special events or weekend tours. Instagram

Dress for the Bay Breeze

San Francisco Bay weather can be unpredictable. Even on sunny days, it gets chilly on the water. Layering is key, and bringing a warm jacket or sweater is highly recommended to stay comfortable during your cruise. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Good for families, vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Special event cruises
Why
Unique themed experiences
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

BREAKING: Activists are blocking the entrance of the Port of Tacoma where a U.S. ship believed to be carrying weapons to Israel is docked. Days ago it was blocked in Oakland. The ship is currently unable to depart. #palestine
@btnewsroom
203.5K likes • 895.1K views

🧥 Dress in Layers

Bay winds can be chilly! Bring a jacket or sweater, even on sunny days. Reddit ☁️

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Cruises are popular; secure your spot in advance to avoid disappointment. Instagram 🎟️

BAY AREA: Meet me at the OMCA (Oakland museum of California) this Friday (8/29) #offthegrid food trucks will be there and I’m playing a special set for the Bay Area artsy baddies It’s free + all ages 5-9pm
@bbnoodz
6.9K likes • 55K views
Weighing in at 416 tons and measuring 165 feet long, the USS Potomac's docking process is a gentle one. Unlike modern ships that have bow thrusters that allow for a higher amount of precision and error forgiveness, we rely on the steady hands of our captains and the combined team effort of all crew to bring her into port. . . . #sanfrancisco #oakland #bayarea #thingstodo #travel #cruise #sightseei...
uss_potomac
13 likes • 1.6K views

🤓 Chat with Volunteers

They're a wealth of knowledge about FDR and the ship's history! Reddit :nerd_face:

🅿️ Easy Parking Available

Convenient parking is available nearby, often mentioned as a plus. Reddit 🚗

1941. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s yacht, the USS Potomac, was called “the floating White House.” Bill and his crew rescued it from Barbados, preserving a vessel that carried a president through history. Today he curates Arts of the Ancient Mariner at the Balboa Island Museum, filled with artifacts of the sea. ✦ Share this with someone who loves untold history ⚑ Follow @balboaislandmuseum and visit ...
balboaislandmuseum
13 likes • 409 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🧥 Dress in Layers

Bay winds can be chilly! Bring a jacket or sweater, even on sunny days. Reddit ☁️

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Cruises are popular; secure your spot in advance to avoid disappointment. Instagram 🎟️

🤓 Chat with Volunteers

They're a wealth of knowledge about FDR and the ship's history! Reddit :nerd_face:

🅿️ Easy Parking Available

Convenient parking is available nearby, often mentioned as a plus. Reddit 🚗

🐶 Pet-Friendly (sometimes!)

Check specific cruise details; some events may allow well-behaved dogs. Instagram 🐕

What Travellers Say

4.8
(56 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the USS Potomac for its historical significance, meticulous restoration, and the engaging, knowledgeable volunteers who bring its past to life. The scenic bay cruises are a major draw, offering beautiful views and a relaxing experience. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some mention occasional issues with passenger etiquette.

"Historic yacht, lovingly maintained by volunteers. It's a great glimpse into the past and history of the United States of America. If you can, she still sails for cruises around the bay, and is well worth a visit. Just remember to wear warm clothing as the wind does whip up on the water."

Ron Page

"We took the 2 hour history cruise which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone in pour group. The ship restoration is accurate and spectacular. The highlights were the super knowledgeable and friendly volunteers, the history narration, and the presence of Theodore Roosevelt himself! Iwas worth every penny. Also easy parking at 2nd and Clay."

John Bischoff

"It was a wonderful experience. I was disappointed that one young couple in their 30's, grabbed two prime seats, despite 90% on board we're senior citizens, and never offered anyone a seat for the entire cruise. Also pushed to get off the ship first. I think the docents cloud manage rude passengers, such as the two on 9/30, in a manner which is more fair."

Dennis Lewis

What People Like

Knowledgeable volunteers
Historic restoration
Scenic bay cruises

What People Dislike

Rude passengers

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The USS Potomac is docked at 2nd and Clay Street in Oakland, California. Parking is available nearby and is often cited as easy. Reddit Public transportation options like BART and AC Transit also serve the Oakland waterfront area, making it accessible for visitors. TikTok

Yes, visitors frequently mention that parking is easy and convenient near the USS Potomac's docking location at 2nd and Clay Street. Reddit

Absolutely! The USS Potomac is accessible via Oakland's public transit system. BART stations are a short ride away, and AC Transit buses also service the waterfront area. TikTok

The historic presidential yacht USS Potomac is docked at 2nd and Clay Street in Oakland, California, serving as a museum and departure point for bay cruises. Instagram

Most visitors arrive by car and utilize the nearby parking facilities. Alternatively, public transport offers a convenient way to reach the docking area. TikTokReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary depending on the type of cruise or tour. It's recommended to check the official USS Potomac website for current pricing and booking information. Instagram

Yes, it's highly recommended to book your tickets for USS Potomac cruises in advance, especially for weekend tours or special events, as they can sell out. Instagram

The USS Potomac operates on a schedule of tours and cruises. Hours can vary, so it's best to consult their official website for the most up-to-date operating times and cruise schedules. Instagram

Yes, the USS Potomac offers various experiences, including historical tours and scenic bay cruises. Some reviews mention specific Father's Day cruises and history cruises. Reddit

While it's possible, booking in advance is strongly advised to guarantee your spot on a cruise. Last-minute availability may be limited. Instagram

🎫 🚢 Onboard Experience

Expect a scenic journey around San Francisco Bay with stunning views, historical narration from knowledgeable volunteers, and a glimpse into FDR's life. InstagramReddit

While the ship is historic, efforts are made to accommodate visitors. It's best to contact the USS Potomac directly to discuss specific accessibility needs. Instagram

Cruises typically last around two hours, offering ample time to enjoy the scenery and learn about the yacht's history. Reddit

Absolutely! The USS Potomac offers many picturesque opportunities for photography, both of the yacht itself and the surrounding bay. Instagram

The USS Potomac served as Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidential yacht from 1936 to 1945, acting as a 'floating White House' for important meetings and relaxation. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Some special event cruises, like those catered by The Caviar Co., offer food and beverages. Instagram For standard cruises, it's advisable to check the specific cruise details or bring your own snacks. Reddit

Generally, it's a good idea to check the specific policy for your cruise. Some private events might have restrictions, but for standard tours, light snacks might be permissible. Instagram

Yes, Oakland's waterfront and Jack London Square offer a variety of dining establishments ranging from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants. TikTok

The USS Potomac can be chartered for private events, including parties and corporate functions, with catering options available. Instagram

The USS Potomac is a unique venue for celebrations like birthdays. You can inquire about private charters and catering services for your special occasion. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the yacht's historic architecture, the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge during your cruise. Instagram

Yes, sunset cruises on the USS Potomac offer spectacular lighting and dramatic views of the bay, making for incredible sunset photography. Instagram

The interior of the USS Potomac is rich with historical details and offers excellent opportunities for photography, showcasing its presidential past. Instagram

Generally, photography is encouraged. However, always be mindful of other passengers and avoid intrusive flash photography in sensitive areas. Instagram

A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing both the ship's details and the expansive bay views. A wide-angle lens can be great for interior shots. Instagram

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