Build a Discover Places App with Next.js, Google Maps, and Tailwind CSS

Welcome to this comprehensive guide on creating a stunning Discover Places application. We’ll walk through building a modern location-based search tool using Next.js, React, Tailwind CSS, and the Google Maps API. An accompanying video walks through the full process.

This tutorial covers everything from initial setup to deployment. You’ll learn to create interactive search functionality, integrate Google Maps with custom markers, and deploy your application to Vercel for free. Perfect for beginners, we’ll build everything from scratch with step-by-step instructions.

Project Overview: What We’re Building

Our Discover Places app will feature a polished interface with key components: a branded header with custom fonts, a dynamic hero section with animated category buttons, and a search bar with real-time results. Users can search locations by category (restaurants, hotels, etc.), view detailed information in a slide-out drawer, and get directions through integrated Google Maps.

The app will display nearby places based on user queries, with smooth animations and responsive design. When users click on a location, a drawer will show details like images, addresses, and a “Directions” button that opens Google Maps with navigation. All interactions will be seamless and intuitive.

Technologies We’ll Use

Next.js: A powerful React framework for server-side rendering and routing
React: For building interactive UI components
Tailwind CSS: Utility-first CSS framework for rapid styling
Google Maps API: For location data, maps, and directions
TypeScript: For type-safe JavaScript development
Vercel: For seamless deployment

Setting Up Your Next.js Project

First, let’s create a Next.js application. Open your terminal and navigate to your desired project folder. Run the following command to initialize a new project:

npx create-next-app@latest discover-places

This sets up a new Next.js project with TypeScript support. Navigate into the project directory with cd discover-places, then start the development server using npm run dev. You’ll see your app running at http://localhost:3000.

Next.js handles routing automatically. Pages are created in the pages directory, and file-based routing works out of the box. This simplifies building multi-page applications without manual configuration.

Styling with Tailwind CSS

<Tailwind CSS provides a utility-first approach to styling. We’ll install it by running npm install -D tailwindcss postcss autoprefixer, then initialize Tailwind with npx tailwindcss init -p. Configure tailwind.config.js to include your project paths:

module.exports = { content: ['./pages/**/*.{js,ts,jsx,tsx}', './components/**/*.{js,ts,jsx,tsx}'], theme: { extend: {} }, plugins: [] }

Add Tailwind’s directives to your global CSS file (styles/globals.css):

@tailwind base; @tailwind components; @tailwind utilities;

Now you can style components using Tailwind’s utility classes. For example, create a button with bg-blue-500 text-white px-4 py-2 rounded. This approach reduces CSS bloat and speeds up development.

Integrating Google Maps API

Google Maps requires an API key. Go to the Google Cloud Console, create a project, and enable the “Maps JavaScript API” and “Places API”. Generate an API key in the Credentials section.

Add the API key to your Next.js app. Create a .env.local file in the root directory:

NEXT_PUBLIC_GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY=your_api_key_here

Load the Google Maps script in your component. Use the useEffect hook to initialize the map after the component mounts. We’ll create a custom hook to manage map instances and markers efficiently.

Building Core Features

Let’s implement the app’s key features step by step.

Header and Hero Section

Create a header with your app’s logo and name. Use custom Google Fonts for branding. The hero section includes an animated search bar and category buttons. Add hover effects using Tailwind’s hover: utilities.

Search Functionality

Implement a search bar with input validation. Use the Google Places API to fetch location data based on user queries. Display loading skeletons during API calls for a smooth user experience.

Results and Details Drawer

Display search results as a scrollable list. When a user clicks a result, show details in a slide-out drawer. Include images, addresses, and a “Directions” button that opens Google Maps with pre-filled navigation.

Google Map Integration

Embed a Google Map in your app. Add custom markers for each location. Use the useRef hook to manage map instances and markers efficiently. Update markers dynamically when new search results load.

Deploying to Vercel

Vercel offers free hosting for Next.js apps. First, push your code to GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket. Then:

Sign up at vercel.com and connect your repository
Configure environment variables (like your API key)
Deploy with one click

Vercel automatically handles builds and deployments. Your app will be live at a custom URL, perfect for sharing or adding to your portfolio.

Key Takeaways

Next.js simplifies React development with automatic routing
Tailwind CSS enables rapid, responsive styling
Google Maps API powers location-based features
Vercel makes deployment effortless for Next.js apps

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Maps API free?

Yes, Google offers a free tier with generous monthly usage limits. You’ll only pay if you exceed these limits during development or high-traffic periods.

Do I need TypeScript experience?

No, this tutorial is beginner-friendly. TypeScript basics are covered, and you can follow along even if you’re new to it.

Can I customize the app further?

Absolutely! Extend it with user authentication, saved locations, or advanced filters. The modular structure makes adding features straightforward.

What if I encounter errors during setup?

Check the Next.js and Tailwind documentation for troubleshooting. Ensure all dependencies are installed correctly and API keys are properly configured.

How long does deployment take?

Vercel deployments typically complete within 1-2 minutes for small projects. You’ll receive an email notification when your app is live.

Conclusion

Building a Discover Places app with Next.js, Google Maps, and Tailwind CSS is an excellent way to learn modern web development. You’ve created a fully functional, location-based search application with professional styling and deployment.

This project demonstrates key concepts like API integration, responsive design, and modern deployment practices. Take what you’ve learned and experiment with new features or styling ideas. Your portfolio now includes an impressive, real-world application showcasing your skills.

Ready to start building? Follow the steps above, and don’t hesitate to revisit the video tutorial for visual guidance. Happy coding!

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