MapPress puts Google Maps on your WordPress site with unlimited maps and markers, free. Google requires an API key and a billing account for its maps. If you’d rather not set that up, MapPress also runs on free OpenStreetMap maps with no key at all, and you can switch between them at any time.
Old-growth redwoods, 30 minutes north of the city.
Whale watching from the cliffs in winter.
Houseboats and the ferry back to San Francisco.
Summit views across the whole Bay Area.
Beaches and the coastal trail.
Seaside amusement park since 1907.
This site uses the free OpenStreetMap engine. Switch the engine to Google Maps in Settings and the same map, pins and popups appear on Google’s map.
How it works
- Google Maps or OpenStreetMap. Choose the map engine in Settings. Your maps are stored separately from the engine, so switching never loses anything.
- Unlimited maps and markers. No cap in the free version, on either engine.
- Google extras. Traffic, transit and bicycling layers, Street View and Google’s place search.
- Styled maps. Change the map’s colors and style on Google, OpenStreetMap or Mapbox.
- Block editor and classic editor. Add maps with the MapPress Map block, the classic editor button, or a shortcode.
Set up Google Maps
- In the Google Cloud Console, create a project, turn on billing, and enable the Maps JavaScript API. Enable Places API (New) too if visitors will search by address.
- Create an API key and restrict it to your website’s address.
- In MapPress › Settings, choose Google as the Mapping API and paste in your key.
FAQ
Can I use Google Maps in WordPress without an API key?
Not Google’s own maps: Google requires a key for them. MapPress’s default engine uses free OpenStreetMap maps instead, which need no key or billing account.
Why is my Google map not working in WordPress?
The usual causes are billing not turned on, the Maps JavaScript API not enabled, or a key restricted to a different website address. Check the browser console: Google names the exact problem there.
Is Google Maps free for WordPress sites?
MapPress is free. Google charges for map loads beyond its free monthly allowance, which covers many small sites. OpenStreetMap maps in MapPress have no usage charges.
Can I switch from Google Maps to OpenStreetMap later?
Yes. Change the engine in Settings. Every map, pin and popup carries over.
Free vs Pro: Google Maps, OpenStreetMap and unlimited maps are all free. Pro adds features such as search, filters and custom markers.