Google Maps

Geocode address

Convert a street address or place name into latitude/longitude coordinates and a normalized formatted address. Pass `address` for forward geocoding ('1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy' to coordinates), or pass `lat` and `lng` for reverse geocoding (coordinates to the nearest street address). Returns the best match plus alternates. Use this to resolve a fuzzy location before routing or searching.

Search places

Search for places by free-text query: a business name, a category plus a location ('coffee near Union Square'), or a landmark. Returns up to 8 ranked places with name, address, coordinates, rating, price level, and whether each is open now. Each result includes a `place_id` you can pass to `get_place_details` for hours, phone, and website, or to `get_directions` as a destination.

Get place details

Get rich detail for a specific place by its `place_id` (obtained from `search_places` or `geocode_address`). Returns name, full address, phone, website, rating and review count, price level, business status, coordinates, and the weekly opening-hours schedule. Use after a search when the user wants hours, a phone number, or a link for one specific place. For the actual review text (what people say), call `get_place_reviews` instead.

Get place reviews

Read recent user reviews for a specific place by its `place_id` (obtained from `search_places` or `geocode_address`). Returns up to 5 reviews, each with the reviewer's star rating, the review text, and how long ago it was posted, alongside the place's overall rating and total review count. Use when the user wants to know what people actually say about a place, not just its star average: the vibe, the standouts, the complaints. For hours, phone, or a link, use `get_place_details` instead.

Get directions

Get a route between an origin and a destination, with total distance, estimated travel time, and turn-by-turn steps. `origin` and `destination` can each be an address, a place name, a 'lat,lng' string, or a `place_id:...` reference. Set `mode` to driving (default), walking, bicycling, or transit. Set `units` to 'metric' or 'imperial' to match the user's preferred units; when omitted, distances come back in the destination region's default. Use for 'how far' and 'how long to get there' questions.