While much of walkable and welcoming Columbia SC can be explored on foot, sometimes it’s nice to catch a ride when hopping between districts and attractions. And what better way to attraction-hop than the free (and adorable) trolleys of the Soda Cap Connector. A part of the Columbia Regional Transit System or The COMET, The Soda Cap Connector offers a boutique collection of routes with service to The Vista, Main Street, West Columbia and Five Points districts. 

The Soda Cap runs Sunday -Wednesday from 9am-6pm and Thursday-Saturday from 9am-midnight. Experience Columbia SC has compiled two itineraries for Columbia SC visitors (or locals) who are ready to ride.

Weekday Warrior 

Featuring Soda Cap 1 Route – West Columbia, The Vista and Main Street

Ready, Set…Park: 

We recommending parking at the free lot between the South Carolina State Museum and EdVenture and starting your adventure here, where you can enjoy two attractions for back-to-back fun before you hop on the trolley.

South Carolina State Museum (ROUTE #1, STOP #3): 
Now through April 19, 2020 visit the International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes, an interactive extravaganza where you can visit Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s study, become a detective and solve a mystery, and pore over objects, artifacts and interactive stations. Pro tip: use discount code BASKERVILLES for $2 off admission. 

EdVenture Children’s Museum: Climb through Eddie, the world’s largest 10-year-old boy to tumble, run and jump as you learn about respiratory and cardiovascular systems, then hop aboard the 24-foot fire truck and slide down the fire pole. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Hop Aboard: 

Leave your car and jump on a Soda Cap Trolley on ROUTE #1 at STOP #3, right in the parking lot of the State Museum. 

Stop Here: 

Lunch at The Kingsman (ROUTE #1, STOP #4) Visit this regional landmark for a cozy meal of comfort food. Try their “Famous Pimento Burger” or Kingsman Chicken – a grilled chicken breast topped with peppers, mushrooms, onions and mozzarella cheese. 

 
Hop Aboard: 

Jump back on the trolley at ROUTE #1 STOP #4 

Stop Here: 

Public Art Instagram Stops (ROUTE #1, STOP #1) Hop off the trolley at the corner of Main and Hampton Streets and check out public art sculptures such as Apollo’s Cascade, Upright Motive No. 8, and more at Boyd Plaza. Murals such as Tokamak at 1211 Taylor Street at MILAGROS at 1100 Taylor Street are sure to inspire, and Neverbust at 1500 Main Street is part of the fabric of Columbia SC. A full public art map can be found here. 

While on Main Street, catch a movie at The Nickelodeon Theatre, browse shops or indulge in a sweet treat before you board the trolley to head back to your car at the State Museum (ROUTE #1 STOP #3).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Saturday Sightseer 

(Featuring Soda Cap 2 Route – Main Street and Five Points)

Ready, Set…Park: 

We recommend parking at the parking garage located at 1227 Taylor Street for this adventure.
After you park, enjoy Soda City Market (ROUTE #2, STOP #1) chock full of art, delicious food and lots of people watching. Make your way South on Main Street towards the State House, munching on all the Avocado Toast, donuts and international fare as you walk. 

South Carolina State House: Take in a free tour of this historic landmark and see if you can figure out how many cannonballs struck the State House by counting the bronze stars! 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Hop Aboard: 

Board the Soda Cap Connector at ROUTE #2, STOP #2 

Stop Here: 

Ride until you reach ROUTE #2 STOP #5 at Harden & Green Streets at the Five Points Fountain. Fuel up on delicacies such as shrimp salad or chicken salad stuffed in a tomato or an avocado or a hot panini sandwich at The Gourmet Shop on Saluda Avenue, just steps from the fountain. 

While in Five Points, browse the shops on Saluda Avenue and enjoy recycled vintage finds at Revente, Sid & Nancy or cater to your trendy boho side with picks from Dakotas or Bohemian. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Hop Aboard: 

Board the Soda Cap at Stop at Blossom and Laurens Streets (ROUTE #2, STOP #7) to head back to Main Street and your car at ROUTE #2 STOP #1.