Big Stuff Everywhere—And We Mean Everywhere!
What South of the Border road trip would be complete without a stop at South of the Border? 😂
If you’ve ever driven down I-95, you’ve seen the billboards. Lots of billboards. It’s like Pedro himself is personally guiding you to one of America’s quirkiest roadside attractions—a place where giant sombreros, neon overload, and unexpected fun collide.
Every seasoned road tripper knows that certain stops become legendary not just for what they offer, but for how they make you feel.<br>South of the Border delivers that perfect blend of kitsch and charm that transforms a simple interstate rest into a memorable adventure.
A Roadside Legend Since 1949
It all started as a humble beer stand in Dillon, South Carolina—just a stone’s throw from the North Carolina border. Over time, South of the Border expanded into a full-blown tourist stop, complete with a motel, restaurants, shops, and attractions. Today, it’s an iconic stop for travelers looking for something more than just a gas station snack.
The attraction’s founder, Alan Schafer, had a vision that went far beyond serving cold beverages to weary travelers. He understood that road trips are about the journey as much as the destination, and South of the Border became his canvas for creating something truly unforgettable. What started as a simple roadside business evolved into a cultural phenomenon that’s entertained millions of interstate travelers for over seven decades.
The strategic location near the state line was genius—catching travelers in both directions and capitalizing on differing state regulations. This border positioning became central to the attraction’s identity and marketing appeal.
Billboard Build-Up: Pedro’s Personal Brand of Subtle
The billboards start showing up so far in advance, you’ll swear they’re part of the Department of Transportation. Somewhere around Virginia, Pedro starts peppering your drive with bold declarations and pun-soaked promises—“You never sausage a place!” and “Chile Today, Hot Tamale!”
It’s not just advertising. It’s foreplay.
By the time you pull in, your GPS might as well read “Deliriously Anticipated Tourist Trap, Recalculating for Chaos.”
These roadside markers have become an art form unto themselves, stretching for hundreds of miles in both directions. Each billboard builds anticipation with increasingly outrageous puns and promises. The marketing campaign is relentless, brilliant, and absolutely impossible to ignore.
Some travelers report spotting Pedro’s billboards as far north as Washington D.C. and as far south as Florida. The billboard strategy creates a unique psychological phenomenon among road trippers—by the time you’ve seen your fifteenth “Pedro Says” sign, stopping becomes almost inevitable. It’s marketing psychology at its finest, turning a simple roadside attraction into a must-see destination through sheer persistence and personality.
What’s Waiting for You at South of the Border?
🌵 Sombrero Tower: Your trip isn’t complete until you ride the elevator up the 200-foot-tall Sombrero Tower for a panoramic view. It’s scenic in that “I can see my choices from here” kind of way.
The tower isn’t just about the view—it’s about the experience of ascending into South Carolina’s most recognizable landmark. On clear days, you can see for miles across the flat Pee Dee region, giving you a bird’s-eye view of your road trip route. The elevator ride itself feels like stepping into a time capsule of mid-century roadside Americana.
🐍 Reptile Lagoon: Bet you didn’t expect to see one of the largest indoor reptile exhibits in the U.S. while grabbing souvenirs! The Reptile Lagoon boasts crocodiles, alligators, turtles, and over 50 snake species. It’s both fascinating and mildly judgmental.
The reptile collection spans everything from massive American alligators to exotic venomous snakes from around the world. Educational displays teach visitors about reptile conservation while kids press their faces against glass enclosures in wonder (and mild terror). It’s unexpectedly educational and genuinely impressive—a legitimate attraction hiding inside a tourist trap.
🎆 Fireworks Galore: South of the Border has been selling fireworks since 1962, taking advantage of North Carolina’s stricter laws. If you need to stock up on bottle rockets—or just test your impulse control—this is your place.
🏨 Camp Pedro & Pedro’s Pleasure Dome: For road trippers and RV travelers, Camp Pedro has 100 full-hookup sites with showers and grilling areas. And if you’re staying overnight, there’s even an indoor heated pool and sauna. Warning: the Pleasure Dome is not as mysterious as it sounds, but it is gloriously neon.
🛍️ Shopping & Dining: From Mexican-themed souvenirs to classic diner meals, you’ll find quirky trinkets and roadside grub that just screams road trip nostalgia. I once tried a tamale that may have been thawed during the Reagan administration, and it was still delightful.
The Pedro Experience: More Than Meets the Eye
Beyond the obvious attractions, South of the Border offers something harder to quantify—a sense of place and time that transports visitors to the golden age of American road travel. The attention to detail in the theming, from the staff uniforms to the architecture, creates an immersive experience that feels authentic despite its obvious artificiality.
Photographers and social media enthusiasts find endless opportunities for memorable shots—from the towering Pedro statue to the neon-drenched buildings. The visual spectacle provides perfect backdrops for road trip documentation and family photos.
Why It’s Worth the Stop
In a world of sanitized chain restaurants and identical highway exits, South of the Border stands as a monument to personality over polish and fun over sophistication. It’s pure Americana—loud, bright, and unapologetically itself.
💡 Have you ever stopped at South of the Border? What’s your favorite part? Let us know in the comments!
South of the Border FAQ
What is South of the Border famous for?<br>South of the Border is best known for its quirky roadside attractions, colorful billboards, and the 200-foot Sombrero Tower located at the North Carolina–South Carolina border.
Is South of the Border open year-round?
Yes! The attraction is open all year, though some restaurants and shops have seasonal hours.
How long should I plan to spend at South of the Border?<br>Most travelers spend one to two hours exploring, but families or overnight guests may stay longer to visit attractions like Reptile Lagoon or Camp Pedro.
Planning Your South of the Border Road Trip
Located at exit 1 on I-95 in Dillon, South Carolina, the attraction is open year-round with seasonal hour variations. Peak season brings larger crowds but also fuller operations of all attractions. Off-season visits offer a more relaxed experience with shorter lines and easier parking.
Smart road trippers plan their fuel stops around the visit, as gas prices here are often competitive with surrounding areas. The attraction’s size means you’ll want to budget at least an hour for a basic visit, though families with children often spend several hours exploring all the offerings.
Want more quirky stops like this? Check out our favorite roadside attractions and road trip gems from across the U.S.!
Heading into North Carolina?<br>There’s plenty more to explore—check out what’s waiting for you, including a giant frying pan and a museum for questionable taxidermy.
Crossing into South Carolina?
Don’t stop here—discover even more road trip gems, like a peach-shaped water tower that deeply resembles a human posterior.
Updated October 2025 — still as wonderfully weird as ever.