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Sections of Park Trail and Bay Area Ridge Trail Closed to Dog Walking

To reduce the potential for coyote/dog conflict, we’ve proactively closed large sections of the Park Trail and the Bay Area Ridge Trail to dog walking. This annual closure is temporary; we’ll reopen these trails to dog walking in fall after pupping season ends. All 24 miles of hiking trails in the Presidio are open to people.
A teacher with four children in the pool at La Petite Baleen Swim School in the Presidio. Photo courtesy of La Petite Baleen.

La Petite Baleen Swim School

Make a splash at this beloved Presidio swim school – with classes for kids and adults.

Region

Crissy Field Region

Type

Recreation & Wellness

Top Amenities

Accessible Parking, Accessible Restrooms, Paid Parking, Bike Parking, Golden Gate View

La Petite Baleen has a well-earned reputation for providing high-quality swim lessons to people of all ages.

La Petite Baleen opened on the Presidio’s Crissy Field in 2008 in a converted historic Army Air Corps hangar. The airy, family-friendly facility is home to two custom-built pools, both heated to a comfortable 90 degrees. There is ample seating for parents and guardians to watch their children’s progress.

The school offers a variety of classes, including parent and child classes, private lessons, group lessons, and adult aqua fitness programs.

Getting to La Petite Baleen Swim School

933 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94129

Map of the Presidio

By Public Transit

Muni Route: 30

Stop: Sports Basement Parking Lot

Parking

Limited paid Crissy Field parking is available on Mason Street. A paid lot is behind the building. There’s also a convenient drop-off loop directly in front of the school.

Why We Love La Petite Baleen 

Whether your child has been a fish since their first bath or prefers to take things slower, the experienced teachers will meet them where they are. Adults can learn the skill of swimming or join fitness classes to get in shape.

Accessibility at La Petite Baleen

Parking spaces for those with mobility limitations are located near the building.

Insider Tip

Class enrollment happens on a rolling basis, and the coveted weekend timeslots can be hard to come by. We recommend downloading their app and checking back frequently for your preferred day and time.

A young girl with goggles in the pool at La Petite Baleen Swim School in the Presidio. Photo courtesy of La Petite Baleen.Photo source:

A San Fransisco Swim School That Puts Students First

You won’t find adult lap swim lanes or chilly, uninviting water – just small, organized classes led by teachers who have extensive training in the award-winning curriculum developed by Irene Madrid and John Kolbisen in 1979.

Register for a Swim Class

You can register for a swim class online or phone them to chat with a knowledgeable staff member. For a list of programs they offer for kids and adults, visit their website.

Two teachers with an infant in the pool at La Petite Baleen Swim School in the Presidio. Photo courtesy of La Petite Baleen.

Try Before You Buy

Infants between 2-5 months old swim for free at La Petite Baleen, with monthly tuition going into effect at 6 months. It’s a great chance to see if swim lessons are a fit for your family before committing to the program. Visit their website for details.

Four Locations around the Bay Area

La Petite Baleen also has schools in San Bruno, Redwood City, and Half Moon Bay.

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Frequently Asked Questions

For a quick snack, you can visit House of Air Trampoline Park and Café right next door. They serve pizza, snacks, and even beer and wine.

Just down the street is one of the best playgrounds in San Francisco – the Outpost nature play space at Presidio Tunnel Tops.

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