Guide to Costa Mesa Region — Overland Expo® (2025)

Overland Expo SoCal is just…

MARCH 15-16, 2025
OC FAIR & EVENT CENTER // COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA
SAT 9-5 | SUN 9-3

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:

  • Los Angeles, CA via I-405: 1 hr
  • Las Vegas, NV via I-15: 4 hrs
  • Phoenix, AZ via I-10: 5.5 hrs
  • San Francisco, CA via I-5: 7 hrs
  • Salt Lake City, UT via I-15: 10 hrs
Guide to Costa Mesa Region — Overland Expo® (1)

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.

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.

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.

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

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 ARRINGTON AREA:

Check outreviewsof 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:

NATIONAL FOREST CAMPGROUNDS

The Cleveland National Forest offers several campgrounds, click HEREfor a list of campgrounds.

DISPERSED CAMPING

For those who prefer more solitude, dispersed camping is also allowed in the Cleveland National Forest. For a detailed guide to regulations and suggested sites, see: Dispersed camping.

FOOD & DRINK

RAPUNZEL’S COFFEE & BOOKS

An eclectic arts venue, community space, coffee shop, and used bookstore located in The Packing Shed in historic Rapunzel’s Coffee.

Website

BASIC NECESSITIES

Basic Necessities celebrates the European mentality of thoughtful food preparation, conversation and relaxation. “La table” in French signifies so much more than just “the table,” or dinner table. It means a place where family and friends can eat, drink, talk and just be together.

Website

Guide to Costa Mesa Region — Overland Expo® (6)

BEAN TREE CAFE

When you visit you’ll find amazing, locally roasted coffee paired with a wide selection of house-made food. Bean Tree Cafe serves coffee and espresso locally roasted and also features a full menu that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner items with several gluten-free options available upon request.

Website

Guide to Costa Mesa Region — Overland Expo® (7)

BOOTLEGGERS

Remember Lynchburg’s wilder side with some of the most unique burgers and brews in town! You may feel like you’re entering a speakeasy through the lower entrance, but you’ll know you’re home when you sample Bootlegger’s brews and burgers.

Website

THINGS TO DO

Not sure what you want to do, but want to know what is available in the area?Visit Nelson Countyoffers a treasure trove of tips and advice on how to make the most of your stay near Infinity Downs. Looking to get out and explore a little? Check outVisit Charlottesville, Lynchburg Tourism, orVirginia’s Blue Ridge Mountain website. You can also take a look at this great article for100 Best Things to Do in Virginia.

NATIONAL PARKS

Cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, quiet wooded hollows—take a hike, meander along Skyline Drive, or picnic with the family. 200,000 acres of protected lands are a haven to deer, songbirds, the night sky…and you. Plan aShenandoahescape today!

VINEYARDS & WINERIES

From Virginia’s oldest winery, farm wineries, terraced vineyards and rustic to elegant modern tasting rooms, Nelson County offers many unique wine-tasting experiences for the wine lover. With easy access to the Route 29 corridor, the following wineries are open to visitors:Lovingston Winery,Delfosse Vineyard and Winery,Brent Manor Vineyard,andMountain Cove Winery. Along Route 151 areVeritas Vineyard and Winery,Cardinal Point Winery,Afton Mountain Vineyard,Flying Fox Vineyard, andHilltop Berry Farm and Winery. Be sure to check outNelson 151. Find out more atVisit Nelson County.

MUSIC

Charlottesville hasLive Musicalmost every night of the week. There is something for everyone!

Looking for a greatConcertto attend? Lynchburg may just have what you’re looking for.

HIKING

Get lost in the beauty of theGeorge Washington and Jefferson National Forestswith a great hike! Limitless options are available atHiking Project.

Take a day hike on a section of theAppalachian Trail. Crabtree Fallsclaims to be Virginia’s most beautiful waterfall. Enjoy this hike to decide for yourself!

This listhighlights 15 favorite hikes near Charlottesville.

BREW RIDGE TRAIL

The Brew Ridge Trail is a self-guided tour featuring five of the nation’s best craft breweries. With everything from lagers to stouts, there’s something for everyone along the trail… The five breweries along the Trail includeBlue Mountain Brewery,Blue Mountain Barrel House,Devils Backbone Brewing Company,Starr Hill Brewery, andWild Wolf Brewing Company. Visitbrewridgetrail.comfor more information.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Popular mountain biking trail suggestions from theCharlottesville Area Mountain Bike Club.

Bicycle rentals and guides available throughBlue Ridge Cyclery– Downtown in Charlottesville orBikes Unlimitedin Lynchburg.MTB ProjectorSingletracksalso have maps and suggestions for great trails in Virginia.

HISTORY

Take a trip back in time atThe Walton Museum.

Civil War enthusiasts have plenty of options inLynchburg, orCharlottesvillehosts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

FISHING

Nelson Countyoffers many fishing opportunities along its rivers, lakes and streams, including the Tye River, James River, Little Piney River (stream) and Rockfish River.

Species:Rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout; largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and bluegill

Dead Drift Outfittersis here to get you locked in on fish. Services include custom flies, gear, tying materials, fly fishing and tying instruction and guided wade and float trips.

Guide to Costa Mesa Region — Overland Expo® (8)

Where to rent motorcycles?

Although motorcycle rentals are not available locally in Arrington, you can fly to the surrounding areas and rent adventure motorcycles at:

Wildsam Magazine is the first of its kind. Dedicated to recreational vehicles, road trips and American travel, it’s pages will inspire adventure, pique curiosity, and foster deeper connection on the road.

🚐 For more info on how to subscribe, head to the link in bio.

📸 @jenna_kahn
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Four Wheel Campers, the originator of the pop-up truck camper, will have a wide variety of rigs to show at Overland Expo East this year!

▪️ Orvis Special Edition Four Wheel Camper

▪️ Hawk with Front Dinette for Full-Size Trucks

▪️ Fleet with Rollover Couch for Mid-Size Trucks

▪️ Project M Lightweight Topper

▪️ Hawk Flatbed with Norweld Tray

From @fourwheelcampers latest Orvis Edition Camper, fitted with Rod Holders, Wet Storage, Induction Stove and more…to their recent updates such as underbed storage, new cabinet materials, lithium batteries, etc., each will be displayed at their booth for you to see in person.

#overlandexpo #oveandexpoeast #fourwheelcampers #overlandrig #overlandvehicle #overlandvehicles

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Women Who Wander is new to all Overland Expo events this year and we’re excited to bring it to East! This program provides a dedicated space for women overlanders and adventure travelers from all walks of life, whether novice or expert, to connect, share their experiences, and learn.

You’ll find female-specific education sessions throughout the weekend in the Women Who Wander Pavilion and a fun networking Happy Hour on Friday evening from 5-7pm. Come hang out, make some new friends, and learn from the best!

Tag a friend and let’s give a shoutout to all the incredible women in the overland community 🙌 Whether you’re attending an event, teaching, representing a brand, or helping bring the event together behind the scenes, you’re amazing and you help make the community what it is 👏

Head to the link in bio to read more about the Women Who Wander happenings planned for Overland Expo East 🔗

#overlandexpo #overlandexpoeast #overlandcommunity #womenwhowander #womenoverlanding #womenadventurers

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Airstream of Virginia is excited to sponsor Overland Expo East, showcasing their innovative and rugged lineup of Airstream off-grid vehicles. Visit their booth to see a range of models, from the new 19X: Outland Edition to the versatile Airstream Basecamp, each equipped with modern amenities designed for both comfort and durability.

You’ll find the perfect blend of luxury and ruggedness that defines Airstream and provides a superior travel experience. And you’ll quickly see why their iconic products are a top choice for those seeking adventure without sacrificing comfort.

#airstream #vanlife #airstreamadventures #airstreamliving #airstreamlife #overlandexpo #overlandexpoeast

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🔥 Raffle details🔥 At Overland Expo East, we’ll be raffling off over $10,000 worth of prizes! All proceeds benefit the @overlandexpofoundation which funds projects and organizations that benefit the overlanding community and the lands we’re lucky to explore.

Add raffle tickets to your event order in advance or buy them on site at the Overland Expo Foundation booth where you’ll also see raffle prizes on display. We’ll be drawing all the prize winners on Saturday 10/5 at Overland Expo East starting at 7pm.

A couple of hot ticket items so far include:

▪️ Set of 5 tires from @nokiantyresna
▪️ T4 Overland Edition Tent from @gazelletents
▪️ Set of Midland Radios from @midlandusa
▪️ AEV Recovery Kit from @aevconversions
▪️ 82-Piece Tool Kit from @boxousadirect
▪️ Bedside Rack System from @builtrightind
▪️ Camp Kitchen Kit from @seatosummit

And more to come!

If you don’t have your passes yet, get them now so you can join us for the event and participate in the raffle 🎟️

A big thank you to all of the brands who have donated so far 🙌


#overlandexpo #overlandexpoeast #overlandexpofoundation

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Be among the first in North America to see the all-new INEOS Quartermaster pickup at Overland Expo East! Join us for an exciting Ride and Drive event where you’ll put the INEOS Grenadier to the test on challenging terrain and discover its exceptional off-road capabilities.

The @ineos_grenadier team will be on-site to provide detailed insights into the Grenadier’s innovative design, top-notch performance, and available options tailored for your adventure.

Whether you’re an overland enthusiast or simply curious about our purpose-built vehicle, this is your chance to connect with like-minded adventurers! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity at Overland Expo East. We’ll see you there!

#BuiltForMore #INEOSGrenadier #Quartermaster #overlandexpo #overlandexpoeast #overlandvehicles

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The Overland Expo East 2024 app is live! View the full education and event schedule, add sessions to your agenda, see where all brands you want to check out will be, and more.

We have 100+ education sessions lined up on all things overlanding, adventure travel, camping, safety, and so much more. No matter where you are on your journey and what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to elevate your skills, meet incredible people, and learn from industry OGs.

Swipe through to see the different education areas you’ll get to explore at the event, and head to the app for all the details (link in bio to download).

What sessions are you most excited about?

🧭 East is coming up fast, October 4-6 at Oak Ridge Estate in Arrington, VA. Get your tickets if you don’t have them already and start planning an epic weekend!


#overlandexpo #overlandexpoeast #overlandcommunity #overlandeducation

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More than a company, ICON Vehicle Dynamics is a group of passionate explorers and engineers advancing the overland experience.

Their journey is not just about developing and manufacturing industry-leading products, but about being part of a lifestyle that embraces exploration, self-reliance, and the freedom that comes with venturing off the beaten path.

In fact, ICON Co-founder and lead engineer Dylan Evans attended the very first Overland Expo back in 2010. Read about what happened at the event that led him to where he is today - tap the link in bio for the full article 🔗

More than engineers, Evans and his team spend countless hours in the field pushing their products to the limit. They don’t just design suspension systems—they live with them, constantly improving them based on real-world feedback.

Today, ICON leads the industry with a focus on quality, innovation, and the spirit of adventure, and their products are trusted by overlanders worldwide.

🏔️ Learn more at the link in bio and at @ivdsuspension

📷 @ivdsuspension

#overlandexpo #industryspotlight #iconvehicledynamics #iconequipped #overlandgear #offroad4x4 #4x4offroad #offroadvehicles #overlandvehicles #offroadtrucks #4x4trucks #4x4ing #offroadwheels #offroadsuspension

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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.

Get Event Tickets

Guide to Costa Mesa Region — Overland Expo® (2025)

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