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Welcome to Oakhurst, California – The Carved Bear Capital of the World™!
Located at the southern gateway to Yosemite National Park, Oakhurst proudly holds a unique title that celebrates its deep connection to the natural beauty and artistic spirit of the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Here, you'll find carved bears everywhere — from welcoming visitors at local businesses to holding friendly reminders around town. These hand-carved wooden bears have become iconic, lovingly crafted by skilled chainsaw artists, and part of Oakhurst’s unique mountain-town identity.
One of the first places visitors experience Oakhurst’s bear-loving spirit is at the Visit Yosemite | Madera County Visitor Center, located right along Highway 41. Out front, you’ll find a collection of carved bears holding whimsical and helpful signs, including important messages like “Don’t Feed the Bears” — a gentle reminder to respect our wildlife, and a perfect example of how even safety advice can be served with a smile (and a bear hug)!
These carved ambassadors delight visitors of all ages, making them a must-stop photo-op for anyone traveling through Oakhurst on their way to Yosemite.
Looking to bring a piece of Oakhurst home with you? As the Carved Bear Capital of the World™, it's only fitting that you can find chainsaw-carved bears and other handcrafted treasures at several local shops.
Located along Highway 41, Southgate Station is a charming outdoor mall filled with nostalgic mountain-town vibes and unique curio shops. Be sure to look for the 8-foot-tall carved bear that welcomes visitors — a perfect photo op! Here you’ll find an assortment of hand-carved wooden bears at California Redwood Signs. It's the perfect place to pick up a rustic sign for your cabin or a bear to watch over your garden.
Another favorite stop for bear lovers is the Yosemite Falls Trading Post, where you’ll find a great selection of carved bears in various sizes, along with other local gifts and souvenirs. Conveniently located next to Reimer's Candies, it’s a fun and family-friendly shopping experience.
Another can't-miss landmark is Oakhurst’s World-Famous Talking Bear. First erected in 1965, this local legend stands proudly along Highway 41, also known as the Southern Yosemite Highway. With a push of a button, the bear "talks," offering a warm welcome to visitors. It's a nostalgic slice of Americana remembered by generations of travelers making their pilgrimage to Yosemite.
The Talking Bear isn’t just a quirky roadside attraction; it's a piece of Oakhurst history, a beloved figure that reflects the town’s creativity, hospitality, and love for its wilderness roots.
Oakhurst's bear carvings are more than just charming art pieces. They symbolize the heart of the Sierra — strength, resilience, and a deep connection to nature. The local artists who create these bears use sustainable, locally sourced wood, often from trees lost to drought or bark beetle infestation, turning loss into legacy.
You’ll find carved bears throughout town — welcoming guests at hotels, restaurants, and shops, and even starring in seasonal events like Artober in Oakhurst, where Art the Bear takes center stage in a town-wide scavenger hunt.
Experience the charm and creativity that helped earn Oakhurst the official title of Carved Bear Capital of the World™. Whether you're snapping a selfie with the Talking Bear, spotting bear carvings along the sidewalks, or admiring the artistry at local shops and galleries, you're part of a living tradition that’s pure Oakhurst.
Discover the joy, wonder, and welcoming spirit of Oakhurst, California — the Carved Bear Capital of the World™!
