NearbySearch MCP Server

The NearbySearch MCP server fills a common gap in AI‑assisted applications: the ability to retrieve real‑time, location‑aware place information without burdening developers with complex geolocation logic. By automatically detecting a user’s IP‑based location and querying the Google Places API, it delivers instant access to nearby venues such as restaurants, cafes, or any other place type defined by Google. This capability is especially valuable for conversational agents that need to suggest local options or provide contextually relevant recommendations during a chat.

At its core, the server exposes a single, lightweight tool endpoint named . The tool accepts three parameters—, , and an optional . Internally, the server resolves the caller’s approximate latitude and longitude through ipapi.co, then forwards a formatted request to Google Places. The response is returned in a concise JSON structure that the AI assistant can interpret and embed directly into replies. This streamlined workflow eliminates the need for developers to manage API keys, handle rate limits, or parse complex geospatial data themselves.

Key features of the NearbySearch MCP include:

• IP‑based location detection that works out of the box, requiring no additional user input.
• Google Places integration, leveraging a mature, widely trusted data source for place details and categories.
• Customizable search radius (default 1,500 m) allowing fine‑tuned proximity queries.
• Optional place type filtering to narrow results to specific categories such as restaurants or parks.

Typical use cases span a broad spectrum:

• Travel assistants that recommend nearby attractions or dining options based on the user’s current location.
• Event planners who need to find suitable venues in a given area quickly.
• Retail chatbots that suggest the nearest store or pickup point when a customer asks about availability.
• Healthcare bots that locate nearby clinics or pharmacies for urgent needs.

Integrating NearbySearch into an AI workflow is straightforward. A developer simply registers the MCP server in their client configuration, ensuring the environment variable is set. From there, any prompt that calls for location‑based suggestions can invoke the tool; the assistant receives a ready‑to‑use list of places and can format it naturally in conversation. Because the server handles all network interactions, latency is minimal and the developer’s codebase remains clean and focused on higher‑level logic.

In summary, the NearbySearch MCP server offers a ready‑made, IP‑aware place lookup service that empowers AI assistants to provide timely, contextually relevant local information with minimal developer effort. Its simplicity, coupled with the robustness of Google Places, makes it a standout choice for any application that benefits from knowing “what’s around here.”