Tenderloin National Forest

What you need to know

What’s There

The alley is tiny, about 23 feet wide and 136 feet long. Mature trees, including redwoods, grow tall enough to shade the entire space. Murals cover the surrounding walls. Benches are tucked between planters, with a handmade clay oven and koi ponds in the mix. The contrast between the dense urban Tenderloin outside and this green pocket inside is sharp.

The “National Forest” name is tongue-in-cheek. Luggage Store Gallery co-artistic directors Darryl Smith and Laurie Lazer have worked on transforming the alley since 1989, formally programming it as the Tenderloin National Forest. The Luggage Store still programs art events in and around the space.

A quick stop if you’re already in the area. About two minutes to walk through. A decent detour if you’re near Union Square or the Civic Center.

Note: the alley sits in the Tenderloin, which can feel busy and intense, especially for first-time visitors. Daylight hours are the practical window.

Visiting

Address: Cohen Alley, off 509 Ellis Street (between Hyde and Leavenworth), Tenderloin

Hours: Daytime hours (not gated, but daylight is the practical window)

Cost: Free

What to know: The alley is easy to miss. Look for the greenery poking above the buildings on Ellis Street. The Luggage Store Gallery next door is also worth checking out.

Getting There

Transit: BART or Muni Metro to Civic Center/UN Plaza station, then a 5-minute walk. Muni 31-Balboa or 38-Geary to the Tenderloin.

Parking: Garages on Ellis and O’Farrell. Don’t count on street parking.

Walking: A few blocks from Union Square, the Asian Art Museum, and the Main Library at Civic Center.