USS Potomac

The USS Potomac is a preserved vessel at Jack London Square in Oakland, California, spanning approximately 165 feet (50 meters) with multiple decks featuring wooden paneling and brass fittings. Visitors walk through salons, cabins and an engine room, all furnished with mid-20th-century interiors.

Franklin D. Roosevelt used this vessel as a floating residence and workspace from 1936 to 1945, holding confidential meetings during the Second World War. After his tenure the craft changed ownership several times and underwent restoration in the 1980s before opening to the public.

The ship's name honors the river flowing through the nation's capital, recalling the era when American presidents conducted business aboard watercraft. Visitors today see original cabins and the chart room that show how a head of state lived and worked during wartime.

The vessel offers onboard guided tours and bay cruises departing from the Oakland dock with space for roughly 120 guests. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear as they navigate stairs and narrow passageways, and bring warm layers for harbor excursions.

A converted smokestack conceals an elevator installed specifically for the president, who used a wheelchair. This design helped hide his limited mobility from public view while allowing him to reach all decks.

Location: Oakland

Website: https://usspotomac.org

GPS coordinates: 37.79528,-122.28011

Latest update: December 20, 2025 00:49