South of the Border — Attraction in Dillon

South of the Border holds a special place in my heart. As a child, my father used to stop here with me during our drives to Florida and those memories have stayed with me over the years. It was always a highlight of our trips—quirky, colorful and full of unique charm. Even though it was a little old and worn back then, it had an undeniable magic that made it so memorable.

Recently, my father passed away and as I grieve his loss, I’ve found myself drawn to the traditions that connected us. Taking his granddaughters to South of the Border felt like a way to honor his memory and share a piece of my childhood with them. It was a bittersweet experience, but one I’ll treasure forever.

Walking through South of the Border with my children brought back so many emotions. Some parts of the attraction have clearly aged and it could use a bit of TLC to restore its former vibrancy. However, the charm and nostalgia remain and I was glad to see that many of the features I remembered are still there—the giant sombrero tower, the gift shops brimming with trinkets and the roadside billboards that made the approach so exciting as a child.

My daughters were fascinated by the Flamingo statue and I enjoyed browsing the souvenir shops, just like I did at their age. It was heartwarming to see still. I lit up as I explored the same places I once did with my dad, but without him. We even took a few photos by the iconic flamingo statue and the SOTB sign, which felt like a full-circle moment.

Yes, South of the Border shows its age, but that’s part of its story. It’s a snapshot of a bygone era when roadside attractions were king. For me, this visit wasn’t just about the destination—it was about carrying on a family tradition, honoring my dad and creating new memories with my daughters.

I would encourage others to stop by if they’re passing through, especially if they’re seeking a nostalgic slice of Americana. It may not be as polished as it once was, but it’s still a place where families can share laughter, wonder and a little piece of history.

Thank you, South of the Border, for being a bridge between my past and present. You’ve given me another cherished memory to carry with me—and a tradition I hope to continue with my own family for...

I remember stopping here with my family when I was a kid. All that I remember about that trip , was stopping there and having a old family photograph somewhere in front of a sign. Fast forward to now , probably 40 years later and determined to finally stop there again. Well, let me say... it was unique. There were a few huge stores there but I feel like each store had the same over priced novelty items. I don't think we bought one thing except a drink. There was a motor lodge, a indoor flea market kind of store, a convenience store, fireworks, novelty stores, reptile exhibit, sombrero tower and a restaurant. Theres a cool over pass walkway bridge that leads you to the other side. The best thing about south of the border though was the indoor reptile exhibit and the sombrero tower thing you can take the elevator up to the top. Both cost money to do but go ahead and spend the extra cash just so you can enjoy the stop at south of the border. The reptile exhibit had lots of snakes, turtles and alligators. You can't really see much of it without paying to get in but we enjoyed it and took some cool pics. My girl hates snakes and we almost didn't pay to enter. Even walked out of the building and started to walk away. However, I really wanted to try and experience it and somehow talked her into it. She ended up liking it. The sombrero tower was cool and it takes you up to the top of the tower where you can freely walk around , enjoy the scenic views, take pics and go back down. If you know in your heart you wouldn't go see alligators and snakes and your scared of heights.... I wouldn't really recommend south of the border unless your buying fireworks or expensive novelty items. Otherwise, it's worth stopping there and experiencing the place. Im giving it 4 stores but mainly due to the reptile exhibit and the sombrero tower. Without those attractions.... geez,...

UPDATE: You're allowed to go up the Sombrero again!!!!! They've fixed the leaking ceiling in the gift shop and there's more people then ever exploring all SOB has to offer! I love this place. Though, fair warning, the penny machine in the arcade doesn't work. Great pool tables though!

Original Review: Women working the arcade were extremely friendly. Got myself a Christmas ornament as well! Listen, im rating this place 5 stars fully knowing its an abandoned rotting shell of its glory days but you have to understand thats exactly what I wanted to see. I love ghost towns and this is probably the closest you can get to one these days. The ceilings are leaking water, there's a random man eating a sandwich in the bathroom, and apparently the restaurants don't serve Mexican (personally I wouldn't have eaten there anyway) but you can bring your own food and eat on the new picnic benches! Didn't stay at the motel but saw its only $78 a night and a man was outside the pool sunbathing! You couldn't ride the elevator up but its because they were looking out for your safety! This was exactly everything I wanted to see. When I return next (and I will be returning) I hope it's the exact same vibe. It's like visting the park from spirited away before the parents turn into pigs. They should film a short apocalypse film here. Love it. And there's Mexican pottery!!! Right next to the rusted soda and 70s mannequins. (Side note: every building I did go into had two employees working. You have to appreciate the buddy system they have going on despite the obviously very low budget. I think working there with no other coworker is an actual form of cruel and unusual punishment and psychological torture wrapped in one. Noticed they put the extra cheery people on the building with the huge jumping ledge (aka the Sombrero) makes you wonder if it's some sort of suicide...