Guide ToTHE COSTA MESA REGION

MARCH 14-15, 2026
OC FAIR & EVENT CENTER // COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA
SAT 9-5 | SUN 9-4

ABOUT THE VENUE

OC FAIR & EVENT CENTER

The OC Fair & Event Center is at the heart of Costa Mesa’s vibrant year-round events calendar, hosting more than 150 events and attracting more than 2 million visitors annually.  The center is home to Centennial Farm, Pacific Amphitheatre and one of the largest fairs in the United States, the OC Fair.

DRIVING TIMES TO Costa Mesa:

Photo by: OC Fair & Events Center

CALIFORNIA's HIDDEN CAMPGROUND GEMS

Discover California like never before with Hipcamp’s curated destinations. From serene groves to rugged badlands, these spots offer the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty.

Ready to explore? Choose your next getaway below!

OVERLAND ROUTES & RESOURCES

Trips & Trails: Movie Road, Alabama Hills

You’ve seen the Alabama Hills many times before in movies, TV, and on the ‘gram, but maybe you’ve never experienced it from the driver’s seat?

Located off picturesque Highway 395 on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains near the town of Lone Pine, Movie Road encompasses viewpoints of high desert and Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the continental United States within its 24 beautiful miles.

Trips &Trails: The Lost Coast – Usal Road

There isn’t a trip that is more uniquely Northern California than the Lost Coast, a collection of mostly dirt roads that starts at Highway 1 between Westport and Leggett and traverses CA State Land Trust lands and Sinkyone Wilderness State Park which includes a collection of beautiful hikes, beach access, and (paid) camping at Usal Beach.

Trips &Trails: Bodie Ghost Town

If you haven’t explored U.S. Route 395 through California, you have no idea what you’re missing. I can honestly say that from Socal to Norcal it is an adventurer’s paradise with trails, experiences, lakes, camping, and hiking to appease anyone’s wanderlust.

Trips & Trails: Mojave Road

The Mojave Road is a trail ideal for overlanders looking to cut their teeth on a long but moderately difficult trail. Due to extreme temperatures in the region, Springtime is the ideal time to plan this trip.

Looking for more ways to connect with others? Join one of the many overland groups traveling together before or after the show.

Expedition Portal | American Adventurist | ADVrider  | Overland Bound

Looking for a scenic route that uses dirt, gravel, and paved roads to wind through remote parts of the region?

Backcountry Discovery Routes

ACCOMODATIONS

HOTELS / BED & BREAKFASTS

ADDITIONAL HOTEL SEARCH OPTIONS:

EXPO HOUSING SERVICES
WARNING: This is not a legitimate company. If you are contacted by them, do not use their services.

NEARBY RV PARKS

We do not allow motorhomes / RVs to camp on-site. It’s best to book a real RV park near Costa Mesa, CA.

RV PARKS IN THE COSTA MESA AREA:

Check out reviews of various RV Parks and Campgrounds in the area.

Camping

In order to keep our culture of off-the-beaten-path travel alive and well, all on-site camping is restricted to motorcycles, tents, overland vehicles, and small overland trailers ONLY.

CAMPGROUNDS IN THE AREA:

CAMPGROUND SEARCH OPTIONS:

NATIONAL FOREST CAMPGROUNDS

The Cleveland National Forest offers several campgrounds, click HERE for a list of campgrounds.

Fly & Ride

Where to rent motorcycles?

Although motorcycle rentals are not available locally in Costa Mesa, you can fly to the surrounding areas and rent adventure motorcycles at: 

For the best route suggestions, check out this list from Indian Motorcycle of Orange County!

CHECK OUT WHAT'S NEW #OVERLANDEXPO

The @livewireev S4 Honcho is the adventure wingman every overlander needs. From early‑morning fishing runs to scouting trails beyond camp, it makes every moment easier—and a lot more fun. Grab your rod, your gear, or nothing at all. Wherever the day goes, S4 Honcho goes too. Enter to win one: https://lvwr.co/LWOverland ...

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Relive the adventure of Overland Expo SoCal 2026! 🌴☀️ From epic rigs and gear to unforgettable moments, inspiring classes, and an incredible overlanding community, this year’s event truly had it all! 🔥

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us—attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors. You made it unforgettable! See you next year on March 13-14, 2027! 🗓️

What’s your favorite memory from Overland Expo SoCal 2026? Let us know in the comments! 👇 #OverlandExpoSoCal #Overlanding #CostaMesa #California
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From epic rigs to sunny skies, Overland Expo SoCal Day 1 was unforgettable! 🌴☀️ Day 2 is rolling and the adventure continues! 🙌

What was your favorite moment from Day 1? 🔥👀

#OverlandExpoSoCal #CostaMesa #California #Overlanding #Rigs
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The largest overlanding event in Southern California begins tomorrow! Join us at Overland Expo SoCal, happening March 14-15, 2026, at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA.

📅 Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM
📅 Sunday: 9 AM - 4 PM

🎟️ Use the linkin bio to buy tickets online now for the best price!

#OverlandExpoSoCal #CostaMesa #California #OCFairAndEventCenter #OverlandingLife SoCalEvents OverlandExpo
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THIS WEEKEND! 🎉 Overland Expo SoCal is here March 14-15! 400+ exhibitors, education, in-booth parties, raffles & more! Don’t miss the largest overlanding event in Southern California. 🔥

What’s the first thing you’re doing when you arrive? 👀

🎟️ Pro tip: Buy tickets online for the best price!

#OverlandExpoSocal #CostaMesa #California #OCFairAndEventCenter #Overlanding Outdoors
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@OutdoorX4 is proud to be a Title Media Sponsor of Overland Expo since 2013! OutdoorX4 is dedicated to authentic vehicle-based and outdoors adventure storytelling along with the latest news and reviews in print, digital, audio, video, web, and social, and brings together a community of enthusiasts who live for the journey.

Whether it`s the adventure of the weekend or a lifetime, from remote backcountry trails to the spirit of self-reliant exploration as well as enjoying all pursuits of outdoors recreation, OutdoorX4 will inspire you to push boundaries while being mindful of our surroundings.

All attendees will be offered a complimentary digital subscription! Just enter coupon code ox4freedigital by tapping HERE! You can also subscribe to our award-winning archival quality print magazine HERE as well as sign-up for our eNewsletters for the latest news, stories, and reviews.

Adventure is out there and OutdoorX4 is here to help you find it!
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@ovrmag is proud to be part of the ultimate gathering for overlanders, explorers, and gear lovers alike.

Special Offer for Attendees: Visit the OVR booth during the show and receive one-year FREE Digital Access to OVR Magazine`s full library of past and current issues—packed with vehicle features, gear reviews, travel guides, and more. We WON’T ask for a credit card!

Whether you`re a seasoned trail veteran or just starting your adventure journey, swing by the OVR booth to say hello and check out our latest magazine.

#OVRmag #OVR #OverlandExpoSoCal
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Overland Expo SoCal is THIS WEEKEND March 14-15 at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA! 🚨

Get ready for the largest overlanding event in Southern California featuring:
🛠️ 400+ off-road and outdoor brands
📚 100+ hours of expert-led classes and product demos
🚙 Custom rigs on display
🎉 In-booth parties, happy hours, and more!

Who’s joining us at Overland Expo SoCal this weekend? Tag your crew! 👀

🎟️ Buy tickets online for the best price!

#OverlandExpoSoCal #CostaMesa #California #OCFairAndEventCenter #Overlanding AdventureGear
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THE WORLD IS OUT THERE GO SEE IT!

Join attendees from all over the world at this year’s Overland Expo SoCal in Costa Mesa, CA.