Sip History Aboard FDR’s Restored Presidential Yacht — A Beer Tasting Cruise Under the Bay Bridge

OAKLAND BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Sip History Aboard FDR’s Restored Presidential Yacht — A Beer Tasting Cruise Under the Bay Bridge

A two-hour adults-only cruise from Oakland that pairs Oakland United Beerworks samplings with the artifacts, photographs, and waterfront views aboard Franklin D. Roosevelt’s historic yacht.

Sip History Aboard FDR’s Restored Presidential Yacht — A Beer Tasting Cruise Under the Bay Bridge.

Duration
2 hours
Location
Oakland
Operator
USS Potomac Association
Category
Boat Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Step aboard Franklin D. Roosevelt’s beautifully restored presidential yacht in Oakland for an evening that pairs craft beer with maritime history. As the yacht glides under the Bay Bridge and around Alcatraz and Yerba Buena Island, guests sample selections from Oakland United Beerworks while surrounded by 1930s artifacts and period photographs that evoke the ship’s presidential past.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE VESSEL

FDR’s Restored Presidential Yacht

The cruise takes place aboard Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidential yacht, restored and outfitted with artifacts and displays that transport you to the 1930s—complete with period photographs showing the president and guests aboard.

THE TASTING

Oakland United Beerworks Samplings

Oakland United Beerworks serves up samples of their top brews for an adults-only tasting experience; light noshes are provided onboard and guests are encouraged to eat beforehand if they wish.

THE VIEW

Bay Bridge, Waterfront and Island Vistas

The route cruises underneath the Bay Bridge, along the San Francisco waterfront and around Alcatraz and Yerba Buena Island, offering continuous skyline and bay views that frame the tasting and historic ambiance.

What the day feels like

What the Evening Feels Like

Over a focused two-hour outing, the yacht departs from Oakland and carries an adults-only crowd through San Francisco Bay while servers circulate beer samplings and guests move between the yacht’s decks to take in displays, photographs and the harbor panorama. Vintage attire from the 1930s and 1940s is encouraged for those who want to lean into the era; regardless, dress warmly in layers as conditions on the water can change.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this cruise is made for and who should look elsewhere.

1
History LoversIdeal—guests interested in presidential history will appreciate the yacht’s artifacts, period photographs and the preserved 1930s atmosphere aboard the vessel.
2
Beer EnthusiastsWell suited—Oakland United Beerworks provides samplings of top brews for a focused tasting in a scenic maritime setting.
3
Couples & Small GroupsGood match—an adults-only evening makes this a social outing for couples or friends seeking a compact, memorable cruise with views and tastings.
4
Not Suitable ForNot appropriate for anyone under 21; also not ideal for guests who cannot manage stairs or uneven decking, since the ship includes steps and thresholds between levels.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The cruise lasts approximately two hours; plan to arrive at the meeting point in time for boarding and any pre-boarding visitor-center activities.

Meeting Point

Departures are from 540 Water Street in Oakland—this is the stated meeting location for boarding.

What to Bring

Bring a jacket, a beanie or hat, and wear flat-soled shoes (no heels) due to moving decks, thresholds and stairs.

Attire

Vintage 1930s–1940s attire is optional and encouraged for those who want to lean into the historic setting; otherwise, dress warmly in layers.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Is this cruise open to minors or families?

No. This is an adults-only cruise for guests 21 years and older.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise duration is approximately two hours.

Are beverages and food provided onboard?

Oakland United Beerworks will serve samples of their beers; light noshes will be available, and guests are recommended to have dinner beforehand if they prefer a fuller meal.

What should I wear and what should I bring?

Dress in layers and bring a jacket and a beanie or hat as conditions on the water can change; flat-soled shoes are required—no heels.

Where do we meet for boarding?

The meeting location is 540 Water Street, Oakland, California.

Is vintage attire required?

No—vintage attire from the 1930s and 1940s is optional but encouraged for those who want to match the yacht’s historic ambiance.

Are there any additional fees I should know about?

Beginning March 26, 2025 a 2% banking credit card transaction fee is added to ticket purchases.