Special Fleet Week Event: Free Dockside Tours of Potomac

These special dockside tours are not affected by the government shutdown. They are still scheduled.

Come aboard for this Fleet Week Special Event for a free, self-guided tour of FDR's famous and historic presidential yacht, Potomac. Docents will be on board to answer questions and tell the story of Potomac's journey through time, her presidential service, brief ownership by Elvis Presley, her use in a 1980s drug-running operation and seizure by the DEA (what?) in San Francisco, and ultimate restoration to 1940s elegance in presidential style with the help of funding from Congress during the Reagan Administration. Potomac now operates with public cruises during sailing season on San Francisco Bay, and year-round charters.

You will see the president's stateroom and dining room where he worked on his speeches and stamp collections. You'll see the long and luxurious fantail couch where FDR would lounge with family, friends, and government officials. You'll see the crew, guest and offier's quarters below the main deck, and the wheelhouse where Potomac's captain operates the ship and her propulsion by two massive diesel engines, and so much more!.

Come aboard for an hour-long docent-led dockside tour as a way to see and enjoy the ship. Walk in the footsteps of presidents and kings!

Tours begin with a 15-minute video in the Visitor Center followed by a docent-led tour of the ship at the dock. 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.

On the tour, you will see the president's private cabin, his "saloon" dining room and galley, and the fantail area where FDR often hosted his guests, or relaxed with a fishing pole or cocktail.

You will also see the Potomac's crew, guest, and officer quarters, the engine room and wheelhouse, and the radio room from where FDR once broadcast to the nation.

You'll hear about the visits of the King and Queen of England on the Potomac, and how FDR twice used for secret rendezvous with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Whether for leisure time fishing or conducting the business of government, the USS Potomac figured prominently in FDR's presidential life, and you can hear all about her history during your visit on board!

More information and Accessibility Notes

• Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
  -Flatsoled shoes are recommended for touring the ship due to uneven surfaces and stairs between decks.
• 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 has some access limitations 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.