OAKLAND, Calif. — With the San Francisco skyline as a spectacular backdrop and the waters of the bay rushing by below her, the USS Potomac’s 2025 summer cruise season blends music, wine, beer, and fireworks into a floating celebration of American spirit and history.
Once Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidential yacht and now a National Historic Landmark which docks at Jack London Square, the USS Potomac enters her 30th year following her complete restoration cruising the waters of San Francisco Bay with a lineup of specialty cruises that honor her glorious past while offering new reasons to come aboard.
Music on the Potomac: Hey Jude – Beatles Tribute
Sunday, June 1 | 3–5 p.m.
Beatlemania returns to the bay aboard the USS Potomac as acclaimed tribute band Hey Jude performs an afternoon set of Beatles classics from the presidential yacht’s open-air deck. Guests are invited to sing along and enjoy a relaxing two-hour cruise past waterfront landmarks.
The cruise includes cheese, fruit and cracker trays, with beverages available for purchase.
Tickets: Adults $70 | Youth (10–17) $35 | Children (5–9) $25
Discounted group pricing available for 10 or more adults.
Music on the Potomac: Charlie Wade Blues Band
Sunday, July 27 | 3–5 p.m.
A summer favorite returns as the Charlie Wade Blues Band brings its signature blues harmonica and soulful rhythm to the Bay. Fronted by longtime Oakland harmonica player Charlie Wade, the band delivers a mix of blues standards and original compositions during this two-hour scenic cruise.
Guests will enjoy fresh air, city views, and live blues aboard one of America’s most historic ships.
Light fare included; wine, beer and soft drinks available for purchase.
Tickets as above.
Summer Solstice Wine Tasting Cruise
Friday, June 20 | 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Celebrate the longest day of the year with a sunset wine tasting cruise presented in partnership with Rosenblum Cellars. Guests will sip award-winning local wines while sailing past Treasure Island, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
Vintage attire from the 1930s and 1940s is invited to evoke the era when President Roosevelt hosted dignitaries aboard the yacht.
Includes light noshes, a complimentary tasting glass, and access to historic displays on board.
Tickets: $65 general admission | $55 group rate (10+ adults). Ages 21 and over only.
Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise
Friday, July 4 | 7:30–10:30 p.m.
Celebrate Independence Day from the deck of the USS Potomac with panoramic views of the San Francisco fireworks show. Potomac will cruise to a prime vantage point near the Embarcadero where the city’s annual display lights up the Bay.
Guests will enjoy light refreshments, historic ambiance, and a once-a-year experience aboard the former presidential yacht.
Tickets: $160 per person.
Beer and wine available for purchase. This cruise traditionally sells out, so booking is encouraged now.
Craft Beer Tasting Cruise
Thursday, Sept. 19 | Sunset
Sample craft beers from Oakland United Beerworks aboard a two-hour adults-only sunset cruise. Learn about brewing techniques while enjoying scenic views and small-batch pours curated for the cruise.
The relaxed setting offers sunset and nighttime views of the city skyline, as well as time to unwind, mingle, and toast the close of summer.
Tickets: $75 per person. Ages 21 and over only. Includes snacks and tastings, and a complimentary tasting glass.
All cruises depart from Jack London Square in Oakland. Capacity is limited. proceeds benefit the USS Potomac Association’s preservation and education programs.
Tickets and full cruise schedule: https://usspotomac.org
Direct booking: https://fareharbor.com/usspotomac
About the USS Potomac
Commissioned in 1934 and serving as President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s official yacht from 1936 to 1945, the USS Potomac hosted royalty, foreign diplomats, military leaders, cabinet and congressional members, and members of the press. Her storied history following FDR includes multiple ownership changes, including Elvis Presley, decline and ultimate survival from two dramatic sinkings. Brought through the Panama Canal in 1962 for the Seattle World’s Fair, Potomac instead much later was caught up in a drug-running operation and was seized by the DEA in San Francisco Bay. Auctioned off to the Port of Oakland, Potomac underwent complete restoration, which involved Congress and President Ronald Reagan, and was opened to the public in 1995 at Jack London Square. Owned by the nonprofit USS Potomac Association in Oakland, she has welcomed more than one million visitors since that time. Permanently operating in San Francisco Bay, Potomac is today an active, floating monument to a consequential American president and events in world history. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the ship is the only presidential yacht still in operation.
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