Penny Bear: A Tahoe City Landmark
Discover the captivating Penny Bear sculpture in Tahoe City's Heritage Plaza, a unique art piece made of over 200,000 pennies!
The Penny Bear, also known as Ursa Mater, is a unique sculpture in Tahoe City's Heritage Plaza. Covered in over 200,000 pennies, this impressive art piece depicts a mother grizzly bear with her cubs and has become a beloved symbol of the area.
A brief summary to Penny Bear | Heritage Plaza
- 570 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, California, 96145, US
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best lighting to photograph the Penny Bear.
- Take some time to read the interpretive panels in Heritage Plaza to learn about the history of the area.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the tables in the plaza while taking in the beautiful views of Lake Tahoe.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Tahoe City Transit Center, head north on N Lake Blvd. Continue for about 0.4 miles, passing shops and restaurants. Heritage Plaza will be on your right at 570 N Lake Blvd, directly across from the lake. Walking from the Tahoe City Public Beach, head north on N Lake Blvd for about 0.4 miles. Be mindful of traffic, especially during busy tourist seasons.
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Public Transport
Take the Tahoe Area Regional Transit (TART) bus and get off at the 'N Lake Blvd & Grove St' stop. From there, walk north on N Lake Blvd for about 0.2 miles. Heritage Plaza is located at 570 N Lake Blvd, a short walk from the bus stop. TART offers free rides. Check the TART website or app for schedules and real-time arrival information.
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Parking
If driving, head towards Tahoe City on CA-89 N and turn onto N Lake Blvd. Heritage Plaza is located at 570 N Lake Blvd. Limited street parking is available on N Lake Blvd, with a 2-hour time limit during peak seasons. Additional parking is available at the Jackpine Public Parking Lot, Grove Street Parking Lot, and the Tahoe City Transit Center. Parking fees vary, so check local signage. Be aware that parking can be challenging on weekends.
Discover more about Penny Bear | Heritage Plaza
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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