Google Maps New Explore Tab is Your Personal Local Assistant

[Rodger Jorge Mansfield]

Google Maps New Explore Tab is Your Personal Local Assistant

A recent update to Google Maps’ Explore tab transforms it from a generic directory into a personalized local search engine, making it easier than ever to discover relevant points of interest. This feature is particularly useful for travelers and local explorers who want to find highly-rated, timely, and specific activities based on their current location and personal interests.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

November 25, 2025

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How many times have you opened a map application intending to find a quick, quality place for lunch, only to spend ten minutes scrolling through endless generic categories? 

The traditional “Explore” function in mapping tools has always been a static, one-size-fits-all list: Restaurants, Gas Stations, Groceries. 

This approach often leaves out the crucial elements of personalization and immediacy. Finding “the best patio dining that’s open right now and not a long drive from my office” required multiple searches, filters, and cross-referencing. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try the New Explore Tab in Google Maps.

Google recognized this pain point, giving its Explore tab a significant, necessary overhaul to become a truly useful local discovery tool.

Feature Explanation

The updated Explore tab in the Google Maps mobile app leverages sophisticated machine learning to become a dynamic, personalized guide to your surroundings. 

Instead of simply presenting broad categories, it surfaces hyper-relevant suggestions based on your location, the time of day, current local trends, and crucially, your previous searches and saved lists.

The core functionality operates by analyzing numerous data points simultaneously. 

For instance, if you are near Chicago, IL at 6:00 PM on a Tuesday, the tab might prominently feature categories like "Dinner Spots with Short Wait Times," "Live Music Tonight," or "Highly-Rated Local Breweries." 

This is a major improvement over merely showing "Restaurants."

Why does this matter? 

It shifts the focus of the map application from a tool for navigation to a tool for discovery and decision-making. 

By surfacing better, more timely information upfront, Google Maps saves users valuable time and helps them make higher-quality choices, whether they are a local resident looking for a new spot or a visitor trying to maximize a short trip. 

It also integrates smoothly with other Maps features, allowing users to save places, check prices, and jump straight into navigation.

What You’ll Gain

Eliminate decision fatigue by seeing the most relevant local options instantly.

Discover high-quality, non-tourist-trap locations based on aggregated community data.

Save time by bypassing multiple searches and filter applications.

Plan spontaneous outings with confidence, knowing hours and wait times are prioritized.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The updated Explore tab is primarily a mobile-first feature.

Here's how to do it.

iOS

1. Ensure you have the latest Google Maps mobile app from the Apple Store.
2. Tap the Google Maps icon on your iPhone or iPad. 
3. Look for the Explore tab, located in the bottom menu bar of the screen. 
4. The top of the screen will now display a carousel of highly personalized categories or 'Neighborhood Gems' based on the time and your location. Scroll horizontally through these suggestions.
5. Tap a category, such as Patio Dining or Best Breakfast, to instantly filter the map and the resulting list view below with only relevant locations.
6. After tapping a category, you can still use the traditional search bar at the top to add specific keywords, like “BBQ” or “Vegan,” further refining the results.

fig. 1 - Use the Updated Explore Tab in Google Maps

Android

1. Ensure you have the latest Google Maps mobile app from the Google Store.
2. Tap the Explore icon in the persistent navigation bar at the bottom of the screen.
3.  Review the dynamic, location-aware suggestions displayed at the top. These categories change based on the hour and what is trending locally.
4. Tap one of the prominent suggestions, for example, Live Music or Highly Rated Coffee. This action immediately updates the map view and the list of businesses to match that filter.
5. After applying a filter, you can still type into the search box above the map results to layer an additional search term onto the pre-filtered category.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Increased Discovery: The reliance on local trends and personalized data means users find hidden gems instead of just well-known chain stores. 
• Saves Time and Effort: The dynamic categories eliminate the need to scroll through pages of general listings. 
• Enhanced Spontaneity: By prioritizing timely information like "open now" and "short drive," it makes spur-of-moment planning frictionless. 

Cons

• Data Privacy Concerns: The personalization relies heavily on user search history, location data, and saved places. Users concerned about data collection may find the accuracy intrusive.
• Occasional Irrelevance: In less densely populated or unfamiliar areas, the personalized suggestions may default to broader categories, diminishing the intended "hyper-local" value.
• Reliance on App Updates: The advanced functionality depends on having the most recent version of the Google Maps app. Users with older devices or settings may not see the full dynamic features.

Configuration Guide

The updated Explore tab is essentially a feature enhancement built into the main Google Maps mobile application. 

There are no direct on/off toggles specifically for the look of the Explore tab.

To Control Personalization: The relevancy of the suggestions is tied to your Web & App Activity settings within your Google Account. 

If you want less personalized but still dynamic results, you can pause or restrict this activity tracking.

Key Default: The Explore tab defaults to using your current location to provide local relevance. Ensure your device’s Location Services are enabled for Google Maps to receive the most accurate and timely suggestions.

Hiding/Showing: The Explore tab is a permanent fixture in the mobile app's bottom navigation bar and cannot be removed. Its content simply becomes more or less generic depending on your location and account activity settings.

Feature Access

This update to the Explore tab is a server-side change currently rolling out across both the iOS and Android mobile applications for Google Maps users globally. 

It is not dependent on a paid subscription or specific edition of Google services. 

Users should ensure their Google Maps app is updated to the latest version. 

The desktop/web version of Google Maps retains a simpler, category-based search functionality.

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 9

Transforms the app from just navigation to essential local discovery, saving users valuable decision time.

Usability 10

The feature is intuitive, automatically showing relevant options without requiring the user to change any settings.

Wow Factor 8

The instant, relevant personalization feels like a genuine upgrade, predicting user intent better than any previous iteration.

Total: 27/30  🌟 Excellent

The new Explore tab is an excellent, intuitive refinement that makes Google Maps the undisputed leader in local search and discovery, moving beyond basic GPS functionality. It significantly outperforms the more static search categories found in competing map applications.

Key Takeaways

• The updated Google Maps Explore tab serves up local knowledge, using your history and current context to deliver hyper-relevant suggestions instantly. 
• This upgrade means less time filtering and searching, and more time enjoying the quality places and activities you discover around you. 
• It truly turns the map into a proactive personal assistant for local exploration.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Updated Google Maps Explore Tab.
• Platform(s): iOS, Android.
• Quick Benefit: Instant, personalized local suggestions based on time and location.
• Access Type (Free, Subscription, Beta): Free, currently rolling out.

Try It Yourself

Open your Google Maps app right now and tap the Explore tab. 

See what immediate, personalized suggestions the app serves up for your current location, then share the article with your team, family, and friends who want to find the best local spots. 

Don't forget to invite them to subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter for more great tips delivered daily.

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.

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