6 Google Maps tricks to try for the navigation app's 20th birthday

Google Maps turns 20 this week. To celebrate, Google has rolled out a list of 20 things you might not have known the navigation app could do. The list includes popular favorites, helpful hidden gems, features that have existed for many years, and some newer Gemini integrations. 

Whether you’ve been using Google Maps for years or are a newcomer, here are some of the helpful features you might be missing. 

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1. See how your house looked years ago

This feature went viral a few months ago, but if you missed it, try it today: You can (sort of) time travel with Maps. Type in an address, head to Street View, and you’ll get an up-close view of that location. But if you tap “See more dates” at the bottom of the screen, you can see other times Google has archived that address (my house had 2013 and 2008 archives). People have spotted loved ones and pets that have passed on, childhood memories, and more.

2. Ask Gemini for help

Instead of using Google for inspiration, try using Gemini on Maps. You can ask Maps things like “things to do with friends at night during winter in NYC,” or “family activities in Seattle.” You can even ask specific questions about a place such as the dress code or whether it’s pet-friendly.

3. Make a reservation

Are you trying to find the perfect date night spot? Some restaurants let you make a reservation straight from Google Maps. Just search for the restaurant you’re looking for, and if it’s a partner, you’ll see a “Reserve” button.

4. Find the entrance to a building

If you’ve traveled to an unfamiliar place before, you know that a building’s address doesn’t necessarily mean its entrance. Google Maps now shows the entrance and exits of some buildings, which can be a real help for ensuring that you park in the right area.

5. Download maps 

Are you driving to an area with limited cell coverage or driving in another country and want to avoid roaming charges? Google Maps lets you save a map for offline use. Just tap your profile picture in the top right corner and choose “Offline maps.” Tap “Select your own map,” center the region you want to save, and tap Download.

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6. Use AR to overlay Maps on the real world 

My wife and I visited New York City for the first time last fall, and I found this feature incredibly helpful. Just tap the camera option in the search bar on Lens and you’ll see information about nearby buildings, restaurants, transit stations, and more. You can also overlay a navigation route on real-world streets to more easily see where you need to go.