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

The Overland Expo Black Friday Gear Sale is on! 🔥 Score 20% off all merch in our Gear Shop with the code OVERLANDEXPOBF

👉 Tap the link in bio to shop and save on gifts for yourself and your loved ones.

⏳ Sale ends Dec 5
...

27 1

🎁 Looking for the perfect gift for the overlander, traveler, or adventure-lover in your life? ✨

This year’s Holiday Gift Guide is packed with epic gear PLUS a ton of Black Friday and holiday deals you won’t want to miss 🔥
 
🏕️ From camp essentials and stocking stuffers to dream-worthy upgrades, this year’s picks are all about elevating every adventure 🛠️
 
👉 Tap the link in our bio to explore the full guide and all the special offers.
 
Happy gifting & happy trails! 🚙💨✨
...

36 2

🚛🔥 Meet “Bronty” — a 1996 Stewart & Stevenson M1079 turned full-blown expedition vehicle/tiny house.

We met up with Justin at Overland Expo PNW as he was heading toward Alaska — the official start of his around-the-world journey. Fast forward to now, and he’s making his way south with his sights set on Argentina for the first major leg of the adventure 🌎✨

🎥 Catch the full tour on YouTube (link in bio), where Justin walks us through every detail of the build: mini-split A/C, full solar setup, full-size fridge, clever interior layout, and everything needed for full-time off-grid living.

Follow Justin’s journey ➜ @destinationdaily_
...

133 21

Quick release mounts, baffles, rain collection, and the ability to connect the battery powered 60 PSI pump, are just a few reasons why the Midnight Forest Rain Basins are the

most versatile overland water tanks on the market.

👉 @midnightforestofficial

#overlandgear
...

274 3

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.