What is the USS Potomac known for?

The USS Potomac is a National Historic Landmark known as President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 'Floating White House.' It served as his presidential yacht from 1936 until his death in 1945.

How much does it cost to visit?

Dockside tour admission is $20 for adults and $10 for youth and children. Children ages 9 and under are free.

What are the hours for the Visitor Center and tours?

The Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Dockside tours are generally offered on most Wednesdays and Sundays at 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM.

What do the dockside tours include?

Tours begin with a 15-minute video in the Visitor Center regarding FDR's use of the ship, followed by a one-hour docent-led tour aboard the vessel.

Are cruises available?

Yes, the USS Potomac offers two-hour and three-hour public cruises on San Francisco Bay, some of which are narrated.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

USS Potomac in San Francisco

USS Potomac

Step aboard the USS Potomac, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 'Floating White House.' This National Historic Landmark offers a rare glimpse into presidential life through dockside tours and cruises on San Francisco Bay.

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What to know

The USS Potomac is a National Historic Landmark that served as the presidential yacht for Franklin Delano Roosevelt from 1936 until his death in 1945. Originally built in 1934 as the Coast Guard cutter Electra, the 165-foot vessel was commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1936 and converted specifically to accommodate the president. Displacing 416 gross tons, the ship was designed for cruising speeds between 10 and 13 knots. After years of service, the vessel underwent a massive 14-year restoration costing $5 million. It officially opened to the public in the summer of 1995 at Jack London Square in Oakland, California. Since then, more than half a million people have visited the ship, which now serves as an active memorial to FDR and the momentous era of his leadership. Visitors can explore the ship via dockside tours, which include a one-hour docent-led tour of the decks and cabins. These tours are paired with a 15-minute introductory video in the Visitor Center that details how Roosevelt utilized the yacht during his presidency. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the ship also offers two-hour and three-hour public cruises across San Francisco Bay. The facility maintains a dedicated Visitor Center that provides a wealth of information regarding the ship's history, its period of decline, and its eventual resurrection. The ship maintains a maximum passenger load of 120 people, ensuring an intimate experience for those exploring this piece of American maritime history.

Visitor tips

Plan your visit for Wednesdays or Sundays at 11:00 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. for scheduled dockside tours.
Visit the Visitor Center between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, for historical videos and information.
Budget $20 for adult admission, though children 9 and under enter for free.
Check the current schedule in advance if you wish to book a two-hour or three-hour public cruise.

Nearby context

The USS Potomac is docked at 540 Water St. near Jack London Square in Oakland. It serves as a centerpiece of the East Bay Waterfront, situated near the Central Embarcadero Piers Historic District and the Ferry Building Marketplace.