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

Overland Expo West is where real rigs show up. It’s exactly where @classicoverland belongs.

We build Defenders to be driven. Long miles, rough terrain, real ownership. Every build is designed around how you actually travel, not how it looks parked.

Our Signature Series is a full body-off, down-to-the-nuts-and-washers restoration with modern drivability built in. The Warthog Series is a true refurbishment. Simple, durable, and built to be used.

If you’re at Expo West, come find us at Q70. Step inside and experience what a Defender feels like when it’s built with purpose.

Built for the way you move. This is the Defender, done right.

@Yapping_About_Cars
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As a proud sponsor of Overland West, @winnebagorvs is showcasing its Backcountry ready lineup designed for life beyond the pavement. Built with off grid capability, durable materials, and practical features for extended time outdoors, these vehicles support a lifestyle rooted in freedom, comfort, and exploration. The Backcountry Series is purpose built to handle rugged terrain, remote destinations, and long days spent chasing the next horizon. Stop by booth Q58 to explore the lineup firsthand, connect with the team, and see how Winnebago vehicles are engineered to withstand the demands of life off the beaten path. ...

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Class is in session (soon)! 😎

Whether you’re just beginning your overland journey or you’re a seasoned traveler, Overland Expo West has a class for you!

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

From wilderness first aid to working on the road with Starlink, to winching and recovery, there’s a session for every skill level!

📅 May 15-17, 2026
📍 Ft. Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff, AZ

What’s been the most useful overlanding tip you’ve ever learned? 💭👀

🎟️ Click the link in bio for tickets!

#OverlandExpoWest #OverlandExpo #FlagstaffAZ
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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.