Guide ToTHE COSTA MESA REGION

MARCH 13-14, 2027
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

@hondaracing_us is debuting at Overland Expo West as a proud sponsor, and adventure enthusiasts won’t want to miss what’s on display. Located at Booth #Q36 in the Quad, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) is showcasing the Honda Passport TrailSport HRC Concept—already the most capable off‑road Honda to date and now elevated even further.

Engineered for rugged terrain and overlanding exploration, this concept vehicle features innovative HRC performance and capability parts, functional accessories, and unique styling that push its performance to new heights. From enhanced protection and lighting to utility upgrades built for real‑world adventure, every detail is designed with off‑road enthusiasts in mind. Attendees can also shop exclusive HRC merchandise, available only at the show.

Stop by Booth #Q36 to experience how HRC continues to redefine capability, performance, and adventure—on and off the trail.
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@ROA_Off_Road is heading to Overland Expo West, and they’re bringing serious off-grid camping capability with them.

Join the ROA team at Booth #Q24 from May 15-17, 2026, to tour the latest MDC & off-road campers built for true overlanding performance. Attendees can step inside these amazing rigs featuring independent suspension, large lithium power systems, solar packages, and practical off-grid setups for extended camping.

ROA OFF-ROAD will be offering exclusive show pricing and walk-throughs to help you find the perfect trailer for your style of camping. ROA Off-Road will be on-site to answer questions and talk capability, durability, and long-term ownership.

Stop by, meet the crew, and see why people choose ROA OFF-ROAD.
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@firestone is gearing up for an unforgettable Overland Expo West as they celebrate 125 years of adventure and hitting the open road. Swing by booth Q56 to explore their Off Road Truck and SUV tires and get hands on with Firestone Airide air suspension.

Join them Saturday at 10 a.m. for a special anniversary brunch inspired by Harvey Firestone’s legendary Vagabond Trips - where curiosity, camaraderie and bold ideas helped spark America’s love for road travel.

Come celebrate the past, explore what’s next, and fuel your next journey with Firestone.
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Adventure is calling—and this time, it’s louder, bolder, and built to take you further.

Join @FieldVans at Overland Expo West, May 15-17 in Flagstaff, Arizona, and step into the future of overland travel.

Be among the first to experience the all-new UPSHYFT—a game-changing van that seats nine and sleeps seven without compromise. This is versatility redefined. And that’s just the beginning…

Get a FIRST LOOK at a brand-new build that hasn’t even been released yet—pushing boundaries in a way you’ve never seen from Field Van before

Explore iconic builds like the Ford Classic, connect with the team (including Alan Feld… a true Van overland legend) and dive into the details that turn vans into adventures.

Then head to the “Field of Dreams” camp—where community, stories, and music bring it all together Saturday night.

Come curious - Your next adventure starts here.

#FieldVans #OverlandExpo #CreateYourAdventure
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@subaru_usa is back at Overland Expo 2026 with Camp Subaru!

🎉 Play their instant-win scratcher for a chance at exclusive gear.
📸 Take home a Plantable photo printed on biodegradable seed paper.
🐾 Visit the Subaru Loves Pets adoption pen and meet adoptable animals.
🗺️ Grab your digital Subaru Passport, refuel at the hydration station.
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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.