VW Bus Weekend & Lighthouse Replicas
Two Unique Favorites in Lake Havasu
If you love road trips, vintage vibes, and curious roadside wonders, Lake Havasu City in Arizona is one of those places that surprises you at every turn.
From groovy gatherings of classic Volkswagen buses to charming miniature lighthouses sprinkled along a desert lake, this spirited destination blends nostalgia, community, and playful exploration in a truly unique way.
🌈 Buses by the Bridge a Long Time VW Bus Lover Weekend
Every January, Lake Havasu buzzes with laid-back excitement as vintage vehicles roll into town for Buses by the Bridge—a beloved Volkswagen bus gathering that’s more like a community campout than your typical car show.
This year, more than 600 VW buses rolled into Lake Havasu, which, what started decades ago as a humble split-window VW meetup, has blossomed into a full-blown event attracting hundreds of fans and owners from across the country.
Expect to see rows of classic VW buses—from split-window gems to Vanagons and lovingly patina’d roadside cruisers—parked along the shores of Lake Havasu State Park. My favorite buses included one painted completely with nail polish and had a waterbed.
The VDub event isn’t just about showing off various versions of the bus (though there’s plenty of that). It’s about community. Attendees set up camp, swap stories, barter vintage parts, and celebrate the laid-back culture that the VW bus has inspired for generations.
Beyond the buses, the event often features fun extras like chili cook-offs, pancake breakfasts, a raffle auction, and a vibe that’s about connection over competition.
Whether you’re a hardcore VW lover or someone who enjoys bright colors, retro vibes, and friendly faces, Buses by the Bridge is a weekend worth adding to your travel calendar.
🗼 Lighthouse Replicas: Desert Beacons by the Lake
Just when you think you’ve seen everything in Arizona’s desert landscapes, Lake Havasu surprises again—this time with replica lighthouses scattered around the lake shoreline.
Amidst the breathtaking arid landscape and under the bright sunny skies, over 28 beautifully crafted lighthouse replicas line the shores of Lake Havasu. These replicas pay tribute to iconic lighthouses from the East Coast, West Coast, and the Great Lakes.
These charming little beacons aren’t just photo ops—they’re fully functional navigational aids built by the Lake Havasu Lighthouse Club, a dedicated group of locals and volunteers.
The idea grew from a desire to improve boating safety on Lake Havasu, which can get surprisingly dark at night, by providing boaters with familiar points of light around the lake.
Each lighthouse has a story: many are inspired by iconic originals like West Quoddy Head in Maine or the Alpena Light in Michigan, lovingly reconstructed at a smaller scale but with all the charm and color of their bigger counterparts.
Some are easy to reach by car or foot, while others beckon from the water, perfect for a boat tour or sunset cruise that highlights the shoreline and regional history.
Walking, driving, or boating past these tiny architectural wonders, you can’t help but smile at their unexpected presence in the desert—and maybe appreciate how communities create delight in the most imaginative ways.
If you’re a fan of vintage cars or quirky lakeside attractions, Lake Havasu City has something for everyone, blending a relaxed atmosphere with playful surprises.
Grab your camera, embrace your curiosity, and get ready for an adventure! for a destination where road-trip memories practically write themselves. 🚐🌅🗼
