I was sitting in a half-empty café in downtown Asheville, flipping through an outdated paper map, trying to locate a trailhead a friend had recommended. It was a spontaneous trip, one of those “I need to breathe” kind of escapes.
But I was lost literally and digitally. No service, no sense of direction, and a growing frustration with myself for not planning ahead.
Then I remembered I had bookmarked that trail in Google Maps days ago while browsing from my Chromebook.
I pulled out my phone, tapped the Google Maps mobile app, and there it was my pinned location, saved under my Favorites list. That little red pin felt like a lifeline. And that’s where my journey with dropping pins began.
I started pinning everything… and loved it
Once I realized how powerful and personal pinning a spot could be, I began using it everywhere. Whether I was using Google Maps on Android, iOS, or even my Mac, the steps were almost identical:
- Tap and hold on a location to drop a pin
- See the address or coordinates pop up
- Tap the Save icon and choose from preset lists like Want to Go, Travel Plans, or Starred Places
- Or, click New List and organize everything your own way
One cool feature I found while using Google Maps on desktop browsers (especially Chrome) was how simple it was to click anywhere on the map and instantly drop a pin.
If it was an unnamed location, I just clicked the popup at the bottom and saved it. No guesswork.
I used My Maps… but here’s one annoying issue
At one point, I wanted to collaborate with friends to plan a West Coast road trip. That’s when I tried Google My Maps.
It’s a custom map tool, perfect for plotting out multiple stops, adding notes, or even layering different types of locations.
The process was straightforward:
- Head to Google My Maps in your browser
- Hit Create a New Map
- Search a place, click Add to Map, then customize the pin color, name, and details
- Use the Add Layer button to keep your plans organized
It felt like building a digital scrapbook. But… here’s the annoying bit: Google My Maps doesn’t support all the features of regular Google Maps. You can’t get turn-by-turn navigation or explore nearby spots with the same ease. That limitation made me regret relying on it during the trip. I had to keep switching back and forth between tools, which made things clunky.
I still love using Google Maps with my Pixel Watch
One surprisingly helpful use-case came during a city walk in Chicago. My hands were full coffee in one, umbrella in the other and I didn’t want to keep pulling out my phone. Luckily, my Google Pixel Watch was synced to my account.
The Wear OS smartwatch integration let me glance at directions and check my saved pins right from my wrist. No pocket digging.
That’s when I really felt how seamless Google’s ecosystem can be when everything’s signed into the same Google Account. All my lists, from Private to Shared or even Public, were accessible. Whether I was using a PC, tablet, or smartphone, my bookmarks followed me.
One reason I can’t stop using pins
There’s this emotional satisfaction in pinning a place before you go and finding it later when it matters. Whether it’s a quiet café I stumbled into while lost, a viewpoint I’ve been dreaming of, or a restaurant someone casually mentioned during a call… I pin them all.
The hamburger button in the upper-left of the app makes it easy to dive into my Saved list and remember why I pinned that spot in the first place.
Real tips for getting the most out of Google Maps
If you’re new to using Google Maps beyond just “where’s the closest gas station,” here are a few tips from someone who’s learned through trial and error:
- Use the search bar to drop a pin directly on a location
- Generic terms like “restaurant” won’t drop a pin search by name or exact address
- Copy to clipboard if you want to share the location through WhatsApp, Messages, or other communication apps
- Keep your lists named clearly (e.g., “NYC 2025” or “Weekend Getaways”)
- Don’t forget to preview your map before heading out
Final thoughts: It’s more than navigation it’s memory-keeping
I used to think Google Maps was just for directions. Now, I see it as a bookmarking tool, a memory keeper, and honestly, a travel sidekick. It’s cool, intuitive, and deeply personal when you start pinning places that mean something to you.
Sure, there are other mapping apps out there, but Google Maps wins for me because of how well it works across platforms whether it’s Android phones, a desktop browser, or even something as niche as a budget Chromebook.
So next time you’re scrolling through recommendations or daydreaming about your next trip, try dropping a pin. Trust me, there’s something a little magical about watching your map slowly fill with moments you don’t want to forget.
