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

Saturday night at Overland Expo West: the @atoverland, @equipt1, @xoverland, @overlandjournal and @expeditionportal Party! 🎉 Happening Saturday, May 16, from 7–9 PM at booths Q19, Q20, Q35, and Q37.

Swing by to connect with fellow adventurers, swap stories, and enjoy the community vibes.

*Valid Overland Expo West 2026 pass required*

#OverlandExpoWest #FlagstaffAZ #Overlanding
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Less than 24 hours until Overland Expo West! 🚙⛺ Exhibitors are rolling in, booths are going up, and the excitement is building in Flagstaff.
 
Tonight, join us for Happy Hour Sponsored by Barebones Living from 5–7 PM 🍻 Exclusive to camping attendees and exhibitors, it’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend and connect with fellow adventurers.
 
What’s the one thing you’re most excited for this weekend? 👀
 
#OverlandExpoWest #FlagstaffAZ #Overlanding
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Stop by the Exhibitor Lounge Sponsored by SEMA/ORBA for classes all weekend long plus expert insight from industry instructors! 🚙🌲

It’s a great place to learn, connect, and make the most of your weekend.

Classes Include:
Friday, May 15:
1-1:50 PM | No Trails, No Sales: How ORBA Protects The Future of Your Business
3-3:50 PM | Protecting Access is Protecting Your Revenue

Saturday, May 16:
1-1:50 PM | No Trails, No Sales: How ORBA Protects The Future of Your Business
3-3:50 PM | Protecting Access is Protecting Your Revenue

Sunday, May 17:
11-11:50 AM | Protecting Access is Protecting Your Revenue
1-1:50 PM | No Trails, No Sales: How ORBA Protects The Future of Your Business

What’s one thing you’re hoping to learn this weekend? 👀

#OverlandExpoWest #Education #FlagstaffArizona
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Load-in mode: ON 🚙⚡
 
Over 400+ exhibitors are rolling in, booths are going up, and setup is in full swing! 🙌
 
Who’s ready to see it all come to life? 👀
 
Buy your tickets through the link in bio! 🎟️
 
Flagstaff, AZ 📍 | May 15–17 🗓️
 
#OverlandExpoWest #Exhibitors #Overlanding #FlagstaffAZ
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Introducing the 2026 Overland Expo Ultimate Overland Vehicle Build. 
 
Built to explore, tested on the road, and designed to tell a bigger story—this Ultimate Build will travel across the country throughout the 2026 event season, showcasing the gear, the brands, and the real-world adventures that bring it all to life. 
 
Follow along on The Compass for in‑depth editorial coverage, including trip reports, product highlights, build details, and where this rig is headed next. 
 
And when the season wraps, this Ultimate Build will be auctioned off to benefit the Overland Expo Foundation, supporting education, access, and stewardship within the overland and outdoor communities. 
 
🔗 Learn more & follow the journey: 
https://www.overlandexpo.com/ultimate-overland-vehicle-2026/ 
 
👇 Built in collaboration with: 
@alldogsoffroadcoop 
@arb4x4 
@battlebornbatteries 
@blackrhinowheels 
@borlaperformance 
@breeo 
@comeup.winch 
@diodedynamics 
@forresttool 
@fox 
@freedomrecoverygear 
@jetboil 
@midlandusa 
@nismopartsusa 
@nissanusa 
@niteize 
@nokiantyresna 
@onxoffroad 
@pelican 
@pittman_outdoors 
@redarc_electronics 
@rixens_enterprise_inc 
@rotopaxofficial 
@tackform.systems 
@taruca_usa 
@travoca.us 
@tuneoutdoor 
@wilco_offroad 
 
🎥: @trail.huntr

#UltimateOverlandVehicle2026 #OverlandExpo #BuiltForTheJourney #OverlandExpoFoundation
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Only 2 days until Overland Expo West, and setup is officially underway for the world’s largest overland event! 🤩
 
Flagstaff, AZ, we’ll see you May 15–17 for the largest overlanding event in the world. 🏕️
 
🌟 Meet 400+ top outdoor, automotive, and adventure exhibitors.
🌟 Learn from 220+ classes, demos, and activities.
🌟 Check out epic custom rigs.
🌟 Enjoy happy hours, in-booth parties, giveaways, and more!
 
Grab your tickets through the link in bio 🎟️
 
Who’s coming this weekend?🤠
 
#OverlandExpoWest #OverlandExpo #FlagstaffAZ #Overlanding
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Meet the expert educators teaching classes at Overland Expo West 2026! You’ll have the opportunity to connect, learn, and get insider tips from the best in the field. 💡

📚 400+ hours of classes
🎓 120+ expert instructors and presenters from around the world
🛠️ Slideshows, demonstrations, and activities

Which session are you most excited to attend this year? 🤝

Flagstaff, AZ 📍 | May 15–17 🗓️

Get your tickets now to the world’s largest overlanding event! 🏕️

#OverlandExpoWest #Overlanding #FlagstaffArizona #Education
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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.