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

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

Overland Expo PNW 2025 is a wrap – what an unforgettable time with the best overlanding community ever!  

🙌 A huge thank you to our sponsors, exhibitors, instructors, staff, and everyone who came out! 

Were you there? What was your favorite part? 

📺 Watch the full recap video on YouTube (link in bio) and keep an eye out for more from the event. 

🏔️ Overland Expo Mountain West is next – August 22-24 in Loveland, Colorado – we hope to see you there! 

🎥 @brooks_roe
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Day 2 at Overland Expo PNW was incredible, what an epic day ☀️

Today’s the last day to join the fun! Come check out all the incredible vehicles and gear, learn from the best, and connect with the community.

Gates open at 9am, come on down!

🎟️ Get your tickets at the link in bio or onsite

See you soon!
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Day 1 of Overland Expo PNW was a blast, Day 2 lets goooo ☀️🌲🎉

We’ve got an epic day planned, gates are open, come on down!

🎟️ Tickets at link in bio

#overlandexpo #overlandexpopnw #overlandevent #overlandcommunity
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We’re kicking off Overland Expo PNW in Oregon! Gates are open and it’s a beautiful day ☀️

Let us know if you’re here, and if not, come on down! We’ve got an epic weekend planned 🛻🚐🎉

🎟️ Tickets and info at the link in bio
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Everyone’s setting up for Overland Expo PNW! It’s a beautiful day and it’s going to be an epic weekend☀️🌲

Let us know if you’re here or if you’re coming!

We’ve got an incredible weekend planned with endless adventure vehicles and gear, education sessions, demos, inspirational talks, films, happy hours, parties, and more 🚐⚙️🛻

See you soon! Gates open at 8am tomorrow 🎉

🎟️ Tickets at the link in bio if you don’t have em yet!
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Overland Expo PNW vibes are in full swing—swing by Dometic at booth H60 this weekend for the latest gear that makes the road (and the off-road) feel like home. See you out there! Learn more 👉 @dometic ...

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Headed to Overland Expo PNW this weekend? Swing by the Hankook Bivvy Lounge to refill, recharge, and connect with fellow overlanders. Then visit @hankooktireusa booth A100 and discover their rugged #Dynapro off-road tires, built for wherever your rig dares to roam. 🛞 ...

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ROA Off-Road is heading to Overland Expo PNW this weekend in Redmond, Oregon! As a Title Sponsor, the team is displaying MDC USA’s four flagship rigs including the XT19HRT Off-Grid Extreme, XT12HR Off-Grid Extreme, Robson XTT MKII, and XL15-4E Off-Grid Extreme. Each rig is kitted with full-time lithium power, independent suspension, and best-in-class construction.

Throughout the show, step inside every model for guided walk-throughs, hands-on demos, and grab exclusive show-only pricing.

Whether you’re planning to overland in America’s west or travel cross-country visiting iconic sites, swing by ROA Off-Road’s booth (FG3) to meet the experts and discover why MDC’s flagship line leads the in durability, comfort, and adventure.

📷 @roa_off_road
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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.