I let Gemini in Google Maps plan my day and it went surprisingly well

The Verge / 4/5/2026

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Key Points

  • The article describes testing Gemini inside Google Maps to automatically plan a full day itinerary around the user’s location and preferences.
  • After about an hour of generating options—such as nearby playgrounds, kid-friendly themed restaurants, and other activities—the results were reported as unexpectedly strong.
  • The author found that while some recommendations were predictable, Gemini also surfaced useful, less-obvious places worth bookmarking.
  • The piece positions this as a relatively new Google Maps addition that complements Gemini’s broader presence across Google services, which the author notes can sometimes be intrusive in other apps like Gmail.
Take me to the tacos, Gemini.

You may be familiar with Gemini as the thing that's in every Google service you use - whether you want it or not.

While it's been a constant, sometimes unwelcome presence in Gmail for at least the past year, it's a relatively new addition to Maps. And you know what? It's kind of great.

To put it to the test, I had Gemini plan a day-long itinerary for me around the city. After an hour or so of having Gemini find stuff for me - playgrounds near the new light rail extension, kid-friendly restaurants with vehicle themes, you get the gist - I was impressed. Some of the suggestions were obvious, but I also bookmarked a handful of spots not on m …

Read the full story at The Verge.