South of the Border
Time Needed: half-day
Experience Type: American icon, offbeat & fun
It’s corny, kitschy, and unapologetically over the top—but that’s exactly why you’ve got to stop. South of the Border has been luring travelers off I-95 since the 1950s with neon lights, giant statues, and a healthy dose of roadside Americana charm.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Ride Up the Sombrero Tower – Take the glass elevator to the top of this 200-foot sombrero for panoramic views and classic nighttime neon glow.
- Visit Reptile Lagoon – Peek inside the largest indoor reptile exhibit in the U.S., home to crocs, snakes, and other scaly creatures from around the world.
- Snap a Photo with Pedro – Pose beside South of the Border’s mustached mascot or one of the many oversized animal statues scattered across the property.
- Grab a Classic Bumper Sticker – Claim your bragging rights with a “South of the Border” bumper sticker—a quirky badge of honor for road-trippers nationwide.
- Sip a Blenheim Ginger Ale – Taste this spicy-sweet soda brewed on-site using a century-old recipe, still bottled by the Schafer family that owns the attraction.
Fun Find: The Ultimate Road Trip Game Bundle packs four travel-friendly card games, including Scavenger Hunt, Word Game, Personal Trivia, and Word Charades, into one easy-to-carry set. It’s a simple, screen-free way to keep everyone entertained on the road.
Photo Credit: Judy Gallagher/Flickr