We had a great time on the Bay this weekend on the USS Potomac for Opening Day. Not only did we get blessed we were second in line behind the fireboats in the Parade of Ships. An experience I truly recommend!! read more

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Delightful positive excursion to set foot on a naval officer vessel. It may be from the earlier 20th century during the time of Roosevelt. I am not sure. It says World War II. It shows old radios and it uses beds for family members of the naval officer. Nice view of Jack London Square and the ferry from Oakland. It was nice outing and walkable near Chinatown and the Bart station. The railroad is nearby and desolate. Interesting history option near San Francisco. They showed the submarines and this old naval officer boat. It was positive and neat. There's a gift shop and topics. The theme is presidential and I bet it was used by a naval officer. read more

Fun excursion! If you like history and you like being out on the Bay then you will love this experience. Our Veteran's Day cruise was lovely. read more

This operational historical yacht offers tours to the general public, which can be easily booked via their website. Additionally, visitors can explore a gift shop located within the port building. read more

If the sky is clear this is the perfect place to watch the Blue Angels during fleet week. What is so great about fleet week aboard the Potomac. You avoid all the traffic into and in SF. The Potomac boards out of Alameda and floats out to SF right where all the action is. They also provide the commentary just like you were there. read more

USS Potomac - What a view. Went under golden gate - Museums Near Me - Oakland, California

I recently went aboard this amazing piece of history for their 3 hour Bay WWII History tour. I had been on the Potomac many years ago - before Covid - and did not know that they offered several different length bay cruises, dockside tours and special events. If you haven't been on board this fabulous yacht, you need to experience this! I took the new water taxi from Alameda over to Jack London square and made the short walk over. I met the fabulous Tess who checked me in and then watched the video with the Docent David who was so friendly and knowledgable I knew I was in for a great day! The entire crew was wonderful. David gave me a great tour of this beautifully restored Yacht that has had quite an interesting history from WWII to the present (Elvis once owned this before donating it to Danny Thomas and St. Judes!). We cruised from Jack London Square around the bay to Richmond and the Kaiser Shipyards while one of the crew (I forgot his name, darn it) gave the history of the Bay area during WWII along with tidbits about FDR and his time on his yacht. We came back around by Alcatraz, Pier 39 and the Ferry building before returning to Jack London Square. We were served a great lunch and all though I didn't spend any money at the bar, I did get some great stuff at the museum store on board. I happened to run into Ford Roosevelt and his lovely wife Marni while out on my walk along the Estuary. I had my USS Hornet Tshirt on and that started our conversation and how I found out that I could actually take a cruise on it! I had such a great time I came back and booked tickets for the Fleet Week Blue Angels tour. I can't wait. I would give the ship, crew and staff more than 5 stars if I could! @usspotomac, #usspotomac read more

Friend rented it for his wife birthday and so spend time on it while touring the bay and out past SF and bridge. It was so beautiful. Definitely love to do again. read more

I had a super fun day with friends. We took the ferry from the Ferry Building in San Francisco to Jack London Square (an experience I'd also suggest). The Potomac is berthed right next to the ferry landing. We had an early lunch then walked over to the Potomac Visitor Center where a docent named John greeted us and showed us an informative 1990s video, then we went to the ship. I was there in mid January, and there were only four of us on the tour. We got to see every inch of the ship (even Roosevelt's specially made bathtub) ... I'm not sure how they handle it when there are dozens of visitors, as it's, you know, a ship. Very tight quarters. We were lucky enough to be able to ask all the questions we wanted, and John seemed to know the ship inside and out. I'd suggest this as an outing for any group of people, as there is something for everyone to enjoy. read more

USS Potomac - Museums Near Me - Oakland, California

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I had so much fun celebrating a friend's birthday with a bay cruise aboard FDR's presidential yatt the USS Patomac -Jack London Square. Knowledgeable volunteers docents and a beautiful day. Highly recommend it. read more

USS Potomac - USS Patomic. So much fun! - Museums Near Me - Oakland, California

This was a great tour. I got tickets for my husband since he's a huge history buff and it was part of his belated birthday gift. The weather happened to be great that day. We also enjoyed the short film we saw at the visitor center before we boarded. There were friendly docents too. A great excursion if you are a fan of history, ships or both! read more

Okay, I'm a nerd and love history, so when I found out about the USS Potomac in Oakland, I made it a plan to spend a few hours here, to get a tour and learn more about FDR's presidential yacht. Located in Jack London Square, it's easy to spot if you're walking along the water. Just remember that to get tickets and for further information, the visitor's center is located at the building across the USS Potomac. There, the staff will have you watch a 15-minute video, which gives you a short background on the USS Potomac before a volunteer takes you on a tour. The tour itself is about an hour and a half long. Our volunteer was super friendly and fervent, so we ended up spending about two hours on the tour because of all the questions and discussion we had about the yacht. You get to see most of the yacht, including FDR's bedroom, dining room area, and the sitting room where he'd host diplomats and other elected officials. Most of the items/furnishing on the yacht are replicates; however, they do a good job of providing a picture of what the yacht looked like during the President's time. For anyone who likes history and is in the Bay Area - I highly recommend visiting the "Floating White House"! I enjoyed my visit here, and not only for what I learned about FDR and his time on this yacht, but also because of the volunteers' enthusiasm for FDR and this historic site. It makes history all the more fun! read more

USS Potomac - Hours - Museums Near Me - Oakland, California

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Thanks to boredom and the Discover and Go passes I took the BART down to 12th Street and walked down to Jack London Square just to pay $5 for a video and a 10 min tour. Basically showing how dirty the government is. Elvis Presley's Gift to St. Jude Hospital soon turned to a drug smuggling ship that ended on the bottom of the waters for about a month. Thus needed 2 million tax payer dollars to repair. read more

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The Potomac anchored in Jack London Square is a must see. Take a tour or go on one of the Bay cruises they offer. Oaklander's should be proud that this floating history museum is in their city. Reading about this presidential yacht and looking at old photos is interesting, but a bit boring if you are not a history fan. However, walking on the decks where history was made gives a real feeling for a period in our history that shaped life as we know it today. I was horrified when the tour guide mentioned that more than 50% of the people who tour the yacht don't know who FDR was. If you don't know who he was, or know much about the 20th century you should go on the tour and find out. It really is interesting. And if you do know who he was, go anyway. The yacht surprised me and it just might surprise you too. read more

USS Potomac - phone - Museums Near Me - Oakland, California

My family took the dockside tour and the review below is for only that part of what the museum offers. We will likely return sometime for a cruise. The staff here does a great job. I was a little worried at first as the office / museum appears like a classroom from a 1990 elementary school but after making the round of the museum the info was presented well and was very interesting. I have been to a number of FDR related sites in the USA and know most of his history well. There was a good balance here of that history but still concentrating on the history of the ship itself. The intro video in the museum could use some updating. I realize that the historic stuff can't be re-done, but anyone with a cell phone from the last five years or a GoPro could redo the parts where the restored ship is shown and people are touring it. The real gem is the ship itself. It is very nicely restored to a level that (if you know FDR's way of life and typical furnishings) is very believable for FDR's time. It's nice that not only is the ship a museum, but it's still a sea going vessel and it's regularly used as that. There's unique aspects of this ship being under presidential use and as well after that use that our docent brought to our attention. I was so pleased at the end of our tour that I returned to the museum to give a donation in addition to having paid for entry. A great visit. read more

This past December, we were delighted to do a cruise with Santa aboard the USS Potomac. This was a child-friendly cruise, made complete with a photo and small gift from Santa, snacks, cookies, and self-guided tours around the boat. It definitely didn't go far, but was an enjoyable hour around the bay. read more

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I bought a ticket for the Opening Day Cruise in April. It was a great day on SF Bay. Beautiful views, good food and the ship is an interesting piece of history. Cruised out to the Golden Gate Bridge and along the SF city front. Docents and crew were helpful. Ship is in great shape. Nice dry way to see the Bay. read more

USS Potomac - Photo sent from another boat - Museums Near Me - Oakland, California

I have enjoyed three cruises on the USS Potomac and hope to makes several more. The ship is big enough that there is not too much rocking and rolling but small enough to provide a relaxing cruise. Every member of the crew works hard to make your time on board an enjoyable experience and you just might learn a bit about the ship's history. Make sure that you have a good camera. There is a lot of wild life on the Bay as well as great views of San Francisco, Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the bridges. Take a cruise on the USS Potomac. It is worth every penny. read more

Before the USS Potomac was literally resurrected from the bottom of San Francisco Bay and restored, she had gained a checkered past along with the fatal hole in her hull. She started out as a Presidential yacht and ended up as a drug runner. You can hear her tale while you chug by and under historic Bay bridges, infamous prisons, maybe a modern yacht or two, catamarans, and the majestic unfolding skyline of San Francisco. For just $70 you will experience a glorious 3 hour narrated tour of the Bay, protected from the weather below deck. Or you can share the top deck with a beautifully restored Cris Craft power boat (named "Fala" after FDR's scotty dog.) A well stocked box lunch included. Why do I like this boat tour over others leaving from across the Bay? it's much easier to get to Jack London Square than downtown SF using a "counter commute" (Bay area residents will understand what I mean), nearby public parking is cheaper (about $13 for 5 hours), it's loaded with U.S. history, and the narrator and roving docents are friendly and informative. I'd call ahead for weather conditions and what to wear if you are in doubt. Very pleasant people will take your phone call. Although the U. S. S Potomac these days has two powerful diesel engines, the engines sound a little like The African Queen from the movie with Bogey/Hepburn. read more

USS Potomac - Boarding the Potomac. - Museums Near Me - Oakland, California

What a total treat, and I owe it COMPLETELY ALL TO YELP. Partied like a rock star yesterday, in full sun and with wireless headphones, bopping to the beat.... Docents were kind, chefs were amiable, pour hosts were great. 8% Duvel and champagne aboard FDR's yacht. Has Rod Serling come to Jack London?! What warp zone have I come upon? It was in December 1935 that Roosevelt decided to rename his erstwhile Electra puppy to the name Potomac. Stateside, still so many original intact features. I absolutely love history, sun, music, and high quality drink. Feel so happy sitting in the back and watching the sailboats pass, meeting new people and clinking a cheers to camaraderie and good memories. read more

The boat ride was beautiful, the staff and volunteers friendly. I wish there was a way to turn off the narration. I had shied away from this trip because I anticipated this might be the case. There was talking for what seemed like 110 out of 120 minutes. And much of it war-related or tangentially tied to FDR. The boat is wheelchair accessible to the main deck. The upper deck had small plastic folding chairs. It was a beautiful day but it did get cold and windy for a good portion so good to bring a jacket if you want to be outside. read more

USS Potomac - The boat - Museums Near Me - Oakland, California

What an awesome find!!! This boat is awesome. I never knew it existed and I would have never guessed it would be nestled in Oakland! Amazing! Tricky thing for the tour is that you have to go to the ticket office across the street. Everyone who got there was confused but I'm glad they still managed to squeeze us in at the end of the day. They do cruises as well, but the prices are steep! They really need to do GROUPONS for this so that the word gets out!!! read more

The tour was very educational and I enjoyed it a lot, the dosen was very knowledgeable and gave me an insight on different activities during that time. Will definitely visit it again read more

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This is such a cool museum to have in our bay! FDR's personal yacht! You have two options to see it. You can take the tour of the boat with a docent or rent the "floating white house" for private functions. I've been fortunate to be able to do both. The docent lead tour is fascinating, the docents are very knowledgeable about FDR era history and are eager to share their stories with you. I was also invited aboard for a sunset cruise with a group on the bay. This was also a lot of fun and of course a totally different experience. There was still a docent or two aboard to give the grand tour and tell a story. However, the experience of sailing on the USS Potomac while it was full of people was a really neat experience. You could almost envision how it felt to sail on the boat when FDR entertained on it. For history buffs or cocktail party planners alike the USS Potomac is a very cool experience! read more

We went out on the USS Potomac for the Louis Vuiton/America's Cup Finals. We had amazing views of the New Zealand and Italy boats racing. We were also thrilled with our amazing boat ride and the skill of the captain to keep the boat steady to let us easilly watch the race on a very breezy day. We enjoyed seeing the San Francisco skyline and being one of the last boats to be under the Old Bay Bridge (it gets replaced wit a new one Labor Day week-end). The boat turned off its motors and let us listen to the sound of the traffic. The food and wine was very good. They had amazing appetizers; good food; and great desert that a local caterer provided. There was also unlimited wine (and we enjoyed our share) which of course led to a nap after we got off the boat. The volunteers and staff at the USS Potomac are so nice and they gave us a personalized tour of the boat. Before our boat ride, we watched the video on the boat at the USS Potomac visitor center - and learned more about when President Roosevelt used it. All in all a pricy day - but the value we received for the price exceeded our expectations. If you ever want to go out on the USS Potomac, I highly recommend it. It was a memorable day and wonderful. read more

Its an amazing restoration this USS Potomac is, here in Jack London Square. With more than 80,000 visitors, this 1945 ex coast guard cruiser had been restored in 1995 to match the original ship. Very few items on board glanced the eyes of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It took money and research, with many thought to be lost historical images and press, they very carefully matched as much as they could in terms of furnishings and seamanship. I felt walking the inner hull of the boat, I could almost hear and see imagines of crew in that constant motion to maintain the ship, with a busy Mr. President running affairs. Potomac (www.USSPotomac.org) offers reasonable special events from this ship, and from that experience you also support a worthwhile tax rebate foundation keeping that history alive. A must do! read more

I had a wonderful time on the 2 hr. tour today! Well worth the fee and the Guide was a very knowledgeable historian. I loved that cool room where F.D. R actually broadcast a Fireside Chat. Kudos to the Port of Oakland for keeping this Presidential yacht! :) read more

What's so endearing about this place is that the people who work here truly are dedicated to keeping this historical landmark running and accessible to the public. I have to imagine the majority of them are volunteering in some capacity. Yet, they show up with such enthusiasm to share all the many secrets of the USS Potomac. If you do the dock tour, I think you need to have at least a basic interest in Roosevelt and history in general. They also do occasional boat rides through the bay. Those are quite fun and a good alternative to the fleets leaving from Fisherman's Wharf in SF. It's great to imagine what sailing on this boat must have been like. A couple of tips: Show up early to watch the movie. Don't assume they're open on the day you want to go. They only are open a few days out of the week and they sometimes close the boat from the general public in order to host private functions. read more

Rode this grand historic ship on the first official day of the Fleet Week Air Show 2009. Very organized cruise and they well cared for their guests. Apparently they do this every year with a packed ship of eager guests wanting SEE the air show but avoiding the usual mess of crowds normally found on shore. This shop takes a slow and steady cruise out to San Francisco Bay from the Oakland side, offering not only a front-row seat of the air show BUT also of the great scenics along the route. They basically maneuver to park the vessel off Fort Mason which is the center of the air show stage.... so you can imagine the great pictures as the participating aircraft zoom by overhead and you don't have to worry about the pushing landlubber crowds next to you. Though the Blue Angels canceled Saturday 11 Oct due to weather/safety concerns, I still think this is a great opportunity to see the air show from a different perspective, along with the rest of the SF bay - with all profits going to a very worthy cause and to support a great cause, plus FDR "himself" and his nurse ride along to keep you company! ;-) The yacht is well-preserved and the details of his life, restored crew quarters and radio room among others is open to public viewing and a great insight of life aboard this grand ship in its active life as presidential yacht, if you're a history buff. The 15min pre-sail video of the Potomac's history is very interesting and well-produced. They also offer once-monthly cruises to Angel Island!! read more

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I recommend calling ahead and meeting a docent-led tour which was far more educational than merely reading a history book about Roosevelt or watching a movie at the theatre. The best time to visit this ship is after reading a book about FDR or watching a documentary. Better yet, would be signing up for a cruise on the bay. Our docent, Joe Winkel was extremely knowledgeable when asked questions about the history of FDR and his affinity for the navy and his prior affiliation with the US Navy. He seemed very competent at answering questions about naval history. If you have any interest in World War II or naval or presidential trivia, you will thoroughly enjoy this tour. I recommend bringing friends and a camera as this is a time warp experience that takes you back to the 1940's. I was told the small bathtub in FDR's bathroom and over-sized fantail couch were designed by FDR. In the vicinity of this area, parking can be hard to find mid-day unless one uses a garage. I would recommend eating ahead and using the rest room before coming aboard. read more

An amazing piece of history that is live and kicking thanks to dedicated volunteers! Take a cruise you will NOT be disappointed! Learn some history for the extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic crew or simply relax in its regalness and take in the beautiful bay area scenery. https://www.facebook.com/pages/USS-Potomac-Official-Site/167685903287649 read more

Also reviewed on yelp as USS Potomac: http://www.yelp.com/biz/uss-potomac-oakland History cruises on the SF Bay, private charters, and dockside events. All done by a non profit association with volunteer historians and mariners, dedicated to the preservation of the historical yacht, and its role in the mid 20th century. http://www.usspotomac.org/ http://www.facebook.com/pages/USS-Potomac-Official-Site/167685903287649?sk=photos read more

Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 'Floating White House,' which he used to escape the humid Washington, D.C. summers, has been lovingly restored as a museum to the former President, the New Deal, and World War II, and will have significant appeal to students of American history. (That Elvis was a later owner will attract a totally different crowd.) Forty-five minute long docent-led dockside tours are offered on Wednesday from 10:30am to 3:30pm, and Friday and Sunday from 12:00noon to 3:30 pm, from mid-January through mid-December. $7 for ages 13 - 59, $5 for seniors, free for children ages 12 and under. Two-hour history cruises with commentary by docents sail at 11:00am every Thursday and Saturday, from April through October. Guests watch a fifteen-minute video in the Visitor Center prior to the cruise. $40 for ages 13 - 59, $35 for seniors, $20 for children ages 6 - 12. Ironically, FDR's yacht does not comply fully with the facility access standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act; the boat allows only limited access for the mobility-impaired. read more

USS Potomac - Museums Near Me - Oakland, California

I recently toured the USS Potomac when I splurged on the VIP package offered through the Best of the East Bay Express party. I partied FDR style, if only for a moment. Stand on the upper deck of the Potomac for gorgeous views of the Bay. read more

The folks who keep up this nice old yacht offer dockside tours (no sailing) as well as history sailings on the bay. If you can, plan to do both eventually. The dockside tour will give you a chance to learn about FDR and all the history that took place on board, and the crowds are smaller. The history sailings are a great way to see some of the bay from the water, especially during nice weather (which admittedly can be rare). The Potomac sails past the Port of Oakland, underneath the Bay Bridge, and at present provides a close-up view of construction of the new portion of the bridge. Then the yacht passes Treasure Island and goes all the way around Angel Island - through Raccoon Strait and past Belvedere and Tiburon. Do not forget to take a camera, there are great views of San Francisco, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and many other famous sites. read more

This ship is rated by the US Coast Guard with a maximum capacity of 120 people. This doesn't mean they have to put on board 120 people. We went with them on July 18, 2019, and there was not near enough space to move without bumping into someone. They do not provide enough seats so many people had to stand in crowded places. The lunch they served was a nice sandwich, but with no place to eat at or even sit, they had to try to balance their lunch and eat. The ship was in excellent condition and the historic photos were all great. I do not recommend this trip to the elderly or if they are going to book more than about 75 people. read more

I had the good fortune of boarding this brilliant vessel to watch America's Cup on Saturday, September 14th. It was so comfortable and the staff was made up of so many amazing historians and storytellers. The food and wine was superb. The entire boat is full of rich memories of FDR and Churchill - it's also a beautiful trip back in time. Being on board the Potomac is a memorable experience I will treasure always! read more

My wife and I toured the USS Potomac Friday March 27, 2015. What a fascinating yacht. The 15 minute movie before provided a wealth of information on the history of the yacht. We were very lucky and had a private tour. The docent was very knowledgeable and made the tour quite interesting. I would heartily recommend this tour to any person. It is a piece of American history that can be easily accessed. As a bonus, there a few really nice restaurants within walking distance. Marty read more

I just had my wedding on the beautiful and historic boat. It was fun and different. Which I and my guests really enjoyed. I can't wait to also take one of their cruises out onto the Bay. read more

Had the incredible privilege of sailing for a 3 hour cruise on this vessel. To be sure the weather was a once in a thousand...high seventies, crystal clear with the water as blue as the Med... and balmy from late afternoon to magic golden hour under the Golden Gate Bridge, Richardson Bay in Marin and past the SF Waterfront. Never to be forgotten eye candy.. Volunteers and crew were extremely well informed about the ship and the bay. Food and wine were excellent. The ship is relaxing, casual with multiple wonderful places to hang out for visiting or just let the breeze blow through your hair while the bay sailing craft pass by with everyone waving in salute of this amazing classic yacht. It's a bucket list thing. BRING A CAMERA with lots of battery!!! read more

I went here with my parents when they were visiting and it was a really fun thing to do with family. I don't think a lot of people know this is here, and it's a really special part of history. You get a personal docent to tour you around the boat and answer any questions you may have, and it's very reasonably priced. Plus, it's in Jack London Square so you can bookend your adventure with dinner or drinks. read more