diff --git a/package-lock.json b/package-lock.json
index f74dd62..2cc98c2 100644
--- a/package-lock.json
+++ b/package-lock.json
@@ -57,7 +57,9 @@
         "@radix-ui/react-tooltip": "^1.1.4",
         "@scure/bip32": "^2.0.1",
         "@scure/bip39": "1.6.0",
+        "@tanstack/query-core": "^5.102.8",
         "@tanstack/react-query": "^5.56.2",
+        "@tanstack/react-query-persist-client": "^5.102.8",
         "@unhead/addons": "^2.0.10",
         "@unhead/react": "^2.0.10",
         "bitcoinjs-lib": "^7.0.0",
@@ -76,6 +78,7 @@
         "html2canvas": "^1.4.1",
         "html5-qrcode": "^2.3.8",
         "idb": "^8.0.3",
+        "idb-keyval": "^6.3.0",
         "input-otp": "^1.2.4",
         "leaflet": "^1.9.4",
         "leaflet.markercluster": "^1.5.3",
@@ -3520,13 +3523,13 @@
       }
     },
     "node_modules/@tanstack/query-core": {
-      "version": "5.75.0",
-      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@tanstack/query-core/-/query-core-5.75.0.tgz",
-      "integrity": "sha512-rk8KQuCdhoRkzjRVF3QxLgAfFUyS0k7+GCQjlGEpEGco+qazJ0eMH6aO1DjDjibH7/ik383nnztua3BG+lOnwg==",
+      "version": "5.102.8",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@tanstack/query-core/-/query-core-5.102.8.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-ZNjkJ33CqvPNec/6lZBnHqLc3EVGPZ9ySLhYahU9TcuRFdmwXewuj0c4hwSWcGHqEUwcSrKeZ+oGcvPBqXcQcg==",
       "license": "MIT",
       "funding": {
-        "type": "github",
-        "url": "https://github.com/sponsors/tannerlinsley"
+        "url": "https://github.com/sponsors/tannerlinsley",
+        "type": "github"
       }
     },
     "node_modules/@tanstack/react-query": {
@@ -3545,6 +3548,16 @@
         "react": "^18 || ^19"
       }
     },
+    "node_modules/@tanstack/react-query-persist-client": {
+      "version": "5.102.8",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@tanstack/react-query-persist-client/-/react-query-persist-client-5.102.8.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-WOZReC+m9klekPtG7eeZ3txJeMA9lg2R0RytSG3yXcZgJItQAVIyoobJdbdIQtlpgcU2tSzsOEBtJacs2vlCOA==",
+      "license": "MIT",
+      "funding": {
+        "url": "https://github.com/sponsors/tannerlinsley",
+        "type": "github"
+      }
+    },
     "node_modules/@testing-library/dom": {
       "version": "10.4.1",
       "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@testing-library/dom/-/dom-10.4.1.tgz",
@@ -5993,6 +6006,12 @@
       "integrity": "sha512-LtwtVyVYO5BqRvcsKuB2iUMnHwPVByPCXFXOpuU96IZPPoPN6xjOGxZQ74pgSVVLQWtUOYgyeL4GE98BY5D3wg==",
       "license": "ISC"
     },
+    "node_modules/idb-keyval": {
+      "version": "6.3.0",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/idb-keyval/-/idb-keyval-6.3.0.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-um+2dgAWmYsu615EXpWVwSmapJhON0G43t3Ka/EVaohzPQXSMqKEqeDK/oIW3Ow+BXaF2PvSc+oBTFp793A5Ow==",
+      "license": "Apache-2.0"
+    },
     "node_modules/ieee754": {
       "version": "1.2.1",
       "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/ieee754/-/ieee754-1.2.1.tgz",
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index 00253d7..c52c543 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -64,7 +64,9 @@
     "@radix-ui/react-tooltip": "^1.1.4",
     "@scure/bip32": "^2.0.1",
     "@scure/bip39": "1.6.0",
-    "@tanstack/react-query": "^5.56.2",
+    "@tanstack/query-core": "^5.102.8",
+    "@tanstack/react-query": "5.102.8",
+    "@tanstack/react-query-persist-client": "5.102.8",
     "@unhead/addons": "^2.0.10",
     "@unhead/react": "^2.0.10",
     "bitcoinjs-lib": "^7.0.0",
@@ -83,6 +85,7 @@
     "html2canvas": "^1.4.1",
     "html5-qrcode": "^2.3.8",
     "idb": "^8.0.3",
+    "idb-keyval": "^6.3.0",
     "input-otp": "^1.2.4",
     "leaflet": "^1.9.4",
     "leaflet.markercluster": "^1.5.3",
diff --git a/src/App.tsx b/src/App.tsx
index afb2218..2a2ccfc 100644
--- a/src/App.tsx
+++ b/src/App.tsx
@@ -1,10 +1,17 @@
 // NOTE: This file should normally not be modified unless you are adding a new provider.
 // To add new routes, edit the AppRouter.tsx file.
 
-import { QueryClient, QueryClientProvider } from "@tanstack/react-query";
+import { QueryClient } from "@tanstack/react-query";
+import { PersistQueryClientProvider } from '@tanstack/react-query-persist-client';
 import { createHead, UnheadProvider } from '@unhead/react/client';
 import { InferSeoMetaPlugin } from '@unhead/addons';
 import { Suspense } from 'react';
+import {
+  createIDBPersister,
+  shouldDehydrateQuery,
+  PERSIST_BUSTER,
+  PERSIST_MAX_AGE,
+} from '@/lib/queryPersister';
 import NostrProvider from '@/components/NostrProvider';
 import { NostrSync } from '@/components/NostrSync';
 import { Toaster } from "@/components/ui/toaster";
@@ -36,6 +43,10 @@ const queryClient = new QueryClient({
   },
 });
 
+// IndexedDB-backed persistence so the app rehydrates the last-seen spots,
+// shops, events and profiles instantly on a cold start (see lib/queryPersister).
+const persister = createIDBPersister();
+
 const defaultConfig: AppConfig = {
   theme: "dark",
   relayMetadata: {
@@ -56,7 +67,21 @@ export function App() {
     <UnheadProvider head={head}>
       <LanguageProvider>
         <AppProvider storageKey="nostr:app-config" defaultConfig={defaultConfig}>
-          <QueryClientProvider client={queryClient}>
+          <PersistQueryClientProvider
+            client={queryClient}
+            persistOptions={{
+              persister,
+              // Discard persisted content older than 24h so nothing stale lingers.
+              maxAge: PERSIST_MAX_AGE,
+              // Invalidate the whole cache when the persisted data shape changes.
+              buster: PERSIST_BUSTER,
+              dehydrateOptions: {
+                // Only persist public, cold-start-relevant queries — never
+                // private/encrypted data. See lib/queryPersister.
+                shouldDehydrateQuery,
+              },
+            }}
+          >
             <NostrLoginProvider storageKey='nostr:login'>
               <NostrProvider>
                 <SplashScreen />
@@ -78,7 +103,7 @@ export function App() {
                 </NWCProvider>
               </NostrProvider>
             </NostrLoginProvider>
-          </QueryClientProvider>
+          </PersistQueryClientProvider>
         </AppProvider>
       </LanguageProvider>
     </UnheadProvider>
diff --git a/src/components/MapSkeletonPins.tsx b/src/components/MapSkeletonPins.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0c36826
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/MapSkeletonPins.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,87 @@
+/**
+ * MapSkeletonPins
+ * ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+ * A tasteful "spots are loading" overlay shown ONLY on a genuinely cold, empty
+ * map (no cached spots yet + still fetching). Instead of a blank map that reads
+ * as broken, we scatter a few softly-pulsing ghost pins in the SkateSpots pin
+ * shape, so the moment reads as "finding spots near you…".
+ *
+ * It's purely decorative and non-interactive (`pointer-events-none`), sits above
+ * the tiles but below every real control, and fully respects reduced-motion.
+ * The instant real spots arrive the parent unmounts this — no layout shift.
+ */
+
+interface Ghost {
+  /** left/top as viewport percentages so it scales on any screen. */
+  left: number;
+  top: number;
+  /** teardrop scale + animation delay for an organic, staggered feel. */
+  scale: number;
+  delay: number;
+}
+
+// Hand-placed so they feel scattered-but-balanced (not a rigid grid).
+const GHOSTS: Ghost[] = [
+  { left: 22, top: 34, scale: 1.0, delay: 0 },
+  { left: 48, top: 22, scale: 0.82, delay: 0.35 },
+  { left: 71, top: 38, scale: 1.1, delay: 0.15 },
+  { left: 34, top: 58, scale: 0.9, delay: 0.6 },
+  { left: 62, top: 62, scale: 1.0, delay: 0.45 },
+  { left: 82, top: 66, scale: 0.78, delay: 0.8 },
+];
+
+export function MapSkeletonPins() {
+  return (
+    <div
+      className="pointer-events-none absolute inset-0 z-[900] overflow-hidden"
+      aria-hidden="true"
+    >
+      {GHOSTS.map((g, i) => (
+        <div
+          key={i}
+          className="absolute motion-safe:animate-ghost-pin"
+          style={{
+            left: `${g.left}%`,
+            top: `${g.top}%`,
+            animationDelay: `${g.delay}s`,
+          }}
+        >
+          {/* Soft ground shadow / radar ping under each pin */}
+          <span
+            className="absolute left-1/2 top-full h-2 w-8 -translate-x-1/2 -translate-y-1 rounded-[50%] bg-[#ff0040]/20 blur-[3px] motion-safe:animate-ghost-ping"
+            style={{ animationDelay: `${g.delay}s` }}
+          />
+          {/* SkateSpots teardrop pin outline */}
+          <div
+            style={{
+              width: 30 * g.scale,
+              height: 30 * g.scale,
+              borderRadius: '50% 50% 50% 0',
+              transform: 'rotate(-45deg)',
+              background:
+                'linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(255,0,64,0.18), rgba(255,102,0,0.14))',
+              border: '2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.14)',
+              boxShadow: '0 4px 14px rgba(255,0,64,0.15)',
+              backdropFilter: 'blur(1px)',
+            }}
+          />
+        </div>
+      ))}
+
+      {/* Centered, quiet status label */}
+      <div className="absolute left-1/2 top-[46%] -translate-x-1/2 -translate-y-1/2">
+        <div className="flex items-center gap-2 rounded-full bg-black/45 px-3.5 py-1.5 backdrop-blur-sm ring-1 ring-white/10">
+          <span className="relative flex h-2 w-2">
+            <span className="absolute inline-flex h-full w-full rounded-full bg-[#ff0040] opacity-70 motion-safe:animate-ping" />
+            <span className="relative inline-flex h-2 w-2 rounded-full bg-[#ff0040]" />
+          </span>
+          <span className="font-mono text-[10px] uppercase tracking-[0.22em] text-white/70">
+            Finding spots
+          </span>
+        </div>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  );
+}
+
+export default MapSkeletonPins;
diff --git a/src/index.css b/src/index.css
index 0891906..3406dcc 100644
--- a/src/index.css
+++ b/src/index.css
@@ -342,6 +342,24 @@
   to   { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }
 }
 
+/* ── Map skeleton "ghost pins" (shown on a cold, empty, loading map) ──
+   The pin gently rises + breathes; the shadow under it pulses like a radar
+   ping. Kept subtle so it reads as "loading", never as real content. */
+@keyframes ghostPin {
+  0%, 100% { transform: translateY(0) scale(1);      opacity: 0.55; }
+  50%      { transform: translateY(-6px) scale(1.04); opacity: 0.9; }
+}
+@keyframes ghostPing {
+  0%, 100% { transform: translateX(-50%) translateY(-0.25rem) scaleX(1);   opacity: 0.35; }
+  50%      { transform: translateX(-50%) translateY(-0.25rem) scaleX(1.6); opacity: 0.12; }
+}
+.animate-ghost-pin {
+  animation: ghostPin 2.4s ease-in-out infinite;
+}
+.animate-ghost-ping {
+  animation: ghostPing 2.4s ease-in-out infinite;
+}
+
 .animate-fadeIn {
   animation: fadeIn 0.4s ease-out forwards;
 }
diff --git a/src/lib/geolocation.ts b/src/lib/geolocation.ts
index f1c893c..fd7382c 100644
--- a/src/lib/geolocation.ts
+++ b/src/lib/geolocation.ts
@@ -40,6 +40,7 @@
  */
 
 import { Capacitor, registerPlugin } from '@capacitor/core';
+import { saveLastLocation } from '@/lib/lastLocation';
 
 export interface GeoCoords {
   lat: number;
@@ -161,11 +162,13 @@ export function isNativePlatform(): boolean {
 export async function getCurrentPosition(): Promise<GeoCoords> {
   const native = getNativeGeo();
 
-  if (native) {
-    return getNativePosition(native);
-  }
+  const coords = native ? await getNativePosition(native) : await getWebPosition();
 
-  return getWebPosition();
+  // Remember the fix so the map can open optimistically centered next time and
+  // "Near Me" has something to fly to instantly (see lib/lastLocation).
+  saveLastLocation(coords.lat, coords.lng);
+
+  return coords;
 }
 
 /**
diff --git a/src/lib/lastLocation.ts b/src/lib/lastLocation.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f9df434
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/lastLocation.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,67 @@
+/**
+ * Last-known-location cache.
+ * ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+ * Getting a fresh GPS fix takes time. To make the map feel instant we remember
+ * the user's last successful location in localStorage and use it to:
+ *   1. Open the map ALREADY centered on their area (optimistic initial view).
+ *   2. Give "Near Me" something to fly to immediately while the fresh fix
+ *      resolves in the background.
+ *
+ * This is a coarse convenience cache, not a source of truth — a fresh fix always
+ * supersedes it. We never store accuracy or timestamps beyond what's needed and
+ * it lives only in this browser/app.
+ */
+
+export interface LastLocation {
+  lat: number;
+  lng: number;
+  /** Epoch ms when this fix was captured. */
+  at: number;
+}
+
+const KEY = 'skatespots:last-location';
+
+/** Consider a cached location "usable for centering" for 30 days. */
+const MAX_AGE = 30 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000;
+
+/** Persist a successful location fix. Never throws. */
+export function saveLastLocation(lat: number, lng: number): void {
+  try {
+    if (
+      typeof lat !== 'number' ||
+      typeof lng !== 'number' ||
+      Number.isNaN(lat) ||
+      Number.isNaN(lng) ||
+      (lat === 0 && lng === 0)
+    ) {
+      return;
+    }
+    const payload: LastLocation = { lat, lng, at: Date.now() };
+    localStorage.setItem(KEY, JSON.stringify(payload));
+  } catch {
+    // ignore private-mode / quota failures
+  }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Read the cached location if present and not expired. Returns null otherwise.
+ * Never throws.
+ */
+export function getLastLocation(): LastLocation | null {
+  try {
+    const raw = localStorage.getItem(KEY);
+    if (!raw) return null;
+    const parsed = JSON.parse(raw) as Partial<LastLocation>;
+    if (
+      typeof parsed?.lat !== 'number' ||
+      typeof parsed?.lng !== 'number' ||
+      typeof parsed?.at !== 'number'
+    ) {
+      return null;
+    }
+    if (Date.now() - parsed.at > MAX_AGE) return null;
+    return { lat: parsed.lat, lng: parsed.lng, at: parsed.at };
+  } catch {
+    return null;
+  }
+}
diff --git a/src/lib/queryPersister.ts b/src/lib/queryPersister.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5ae256d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/queryPersister.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,134 @@
+/**
+ * IndexedDB-backed React Query persistence.
+ * ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+ * WHY
+ * On a cold start every Nostr query begins from an empty cache, so users land on
+ * a blank map/profile list and watch it populate as the relay round-trips
+ * complete (1–4s). By persisting the React Query cache to IndexedDB we can
+ * REHYDRATE the last-seen spots/shops/events/profiles instantly on the next
+ * launch — the app opens already populated and quietly refetches fresh data in
+ * the background.
+ *
+ * WHAT WE PERSIST (allow-list, see `shouldDehydrateQuery`)
+ * Only PUBLIC, plain-JSON, cold-start-relevant queries: skate spots, shops,
+ * events, tours, crews, coaches, marketplace listings, author profiles, and a
+ * few small stats. We DO NOT persist:
+ *   - Private / encrypted data (stash, DMs, private contacts) — must never touch
+ *     disk in plaintext.
+ *   - Per-interaction / volatile data (zaps, unread counts, RSVPs).
+ *   - Errored or still-pending queries.
+ * This keeps the persisted blob small, safe, and genuinely useful.
+ *
+ * SAFETY
+ *  - `idb-keyval` writes to IndexedDB off the main thread; failures are swallowed
+ *    (private-mode / quota) so persistence can never break app boot.
+ *  - A `buster` invalidates the whole cache when the data shape changes.
+ *  - `maxAge` discards anything older than 24h so stale content can't linger.
+ */
+
+import { get, set, del } from 'idb-keyval';
+import type {
+  PersistedClient,
+  Persister,
+} from '@tanstack/react-query-persist-client';
+import type { Query } from '@tanstack/react-query';
+
+const IDB_KEY = 'skatespots:react-query-cache';
+
+/** Bump when the persisted data shape changes to invalidate old caches. */
+export const PERSIST_BUSTER = 'v1';
+
+/** Discard any persisted cache older than this (ms). */
+export const PERSIST_MAX_AGE = 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000; // 24h
+
+/**
+ * Query-key prefixes that are SAFE and USEFUL to persist for instant cold-start.
+ * A query is persisted only if its first key segment is in this set (and it has
+ * successfully-fetched data — see `shouldDehydrateQuery`).
+ */
+const PERSIST_ALLOW_LIST = new Set<string>([
+  // Map + directory content (the stuff that makes the app look "loaded")
+  'skate-spots',
+  'skate-spot',
+  'user-skate-spots',
+  'skate-shops',
+  'shops',
+  'skate-events',
+  'upcoming-skate-events',
+  'tours',
+  'crews',
+  'coaches',
+  'lab-profiles',
+  'marketplace',
+  'marketplace-items',
+  'skaters',
+  // Author profiles (kind 0) — avatars/names everywhere benefit hugely
+  'author',
+  'authors',
+  // Small, non-sensitive aggregate stats
+  'growth-stats',
+  'community-stats',
+]);
+
+/**
+ * Query-key prefixes that must NEVER be persisted, even if they somehow match
+ * the allow-list. Private, encrypted, signer-derived, or highly volatile data.
+ */
+const PERSIST_DENY_LIST = new Set<string>([
+  'stash',
+  'stash-showcase',
+  'direct-messages',
+  'dms',
+  'private-contacts',
+  'nwc',
+  'wallet',
+  'cashu',
+  'bitcoin',
+  'signer',
+]);
+
+/**
+ * Decide whether a single query should be written to disk.
+ * Persist only: successful queries, with data, whose key prefix is explicitly
+ * allow-listed and not deny-listed.
+ */
+export function shouldDehydrateQuery(query: Query): boolean {
+  if (query.state.status !== 'success') return false;
+  if (query.state.data === undefined || query.state.data === null) return false;
+
+  const prefix = Array.isArray(query.queryKey) ? query.queryKey[0] : query.queryKey;
+  if (typeof prefix !== 'string') return false;
+
+  if (PERSIST_DENY_LIST.has(prefix)) return false;
+  return PERSIST_ALLOW_LIST.has(prefix);
+}
+
+/**
+ * An async Persister backed by IndexedDB (via idb-keyval). All operations are
+ * defensively wrapped so a storage failure never bubbles into React.
+ */
+export function createIDBPersister(): Persister {
+  return {
+    persistClient: async (client: PersistedClient) => {
+      try {
+        await set(IDB_KEY, client);
+      } catch {
+        // ignore — private mode / quota exceeded
+      }
+    },
+    restoreClient: async () => {
+      try {
+        return (await get<PersistedClient>(IDB_KEY)) ?? undefined;
+      } catch {
+        return undefined;
+      }
+    },
+    removeClient: async () => {
+      try {
+        await del(IDB_KEY);
+      } catch {
+        // ignore
+      }
+    },
+  };
+}
diff --git a/src/pages/MapPage.tsx b/src/pages/MapPage.tsx
index 6d9da5b..f3a5c0c 100644
--- a/src/pages/MapPage.tsx
+++ b/src/pages/MapPage.tsx
@@ -84,6 +84,8 @@ import { SpotChat } from '@/components/SpotChat';
 import { useToast } from '@/hooks/useToast';
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils';
 import { getCurrentPosition, GeolocationError, isNativeGeolocation } from '@/lib/geolocation';
+import { getLastLocation } from '@/lib/lastLocation';
+import { MapSkeletonPins } from '@/components/MapSkeletonPins';
 
 
 type ViewMode = 'map' | 'list';
@@ -556,14 +558,18 @@ export default function MapPage() {
   const { data: shops, isLoading: shopsLoading } = useShops(500);
 
   // Tell the cold-start splash that real content has arrived, so it can reveal
-  // the map already populated (rather than dismissing on bare connection). The
-  // splash still has its own hard cap, so this only ever makes the reveal feel
-  // more "ready" — it can't delay dismissal.
+  // the map already populated (rather than dismissing on bare connection). We
+  // signal readiness when the spots query has genuinely resolved — either it
+  // streamed in some spots, or it finished loading (empty relay / offline). With
+  // IndexedDB persistence this often fires on the very first frame (cache hit),
+  // so returning users get an instant, already-populated reveal. The splash
+  // keeps its own hard cap, so this can only ever make the reveal feel readier.
   useEffect(() => {
-    if (!spotsLoading) {
+    const hasSpots = Array.isArray(spots) && spots.length > 0;
+    if (hasSpots || !spotsLoading) {
       window.dispatchEvent(new Event('skatespots:content-ready'));
     }
-  }, [spotsLoading]);
+  }, [spots, spotsLoading]);
   const { data: marketplaceItems, isLoading: marketplaceLoading } = useMarketplaceItems(200);
   const { data: tours, isLoading: toursLoading } = useTours(100);
   // Upcoming events for the (opt-in) Events map layer
@@ -588,7 +594,12 @@ export default function MapPage() {
   const smartDefault: TrustFilterLevel = (user && followCount >= 5) ? 'trusted' : 'all';
   const [trustFilter, setTrustFilter] = useState<TrustFilterLevel>(smartDefault);
   const [sortBy, setSortBy] = useState<SortOption>('recent');
-  const [userLocation, setUserLocation] = useState<{lat: number; lon: number} | null>(null);
+  // Seed from the cached last-known location so the "you are here" badge and
+  // proximity sorting are available instantly; a fresh fix updates it.
+  const [userLocation, setUserLocation] = useState<{lat: number; lon: number} | null>(() => {
+    const cached = getLastLocation();
+    return cached ? { lat: cached.lat, lon: cached.lng } : null;
+  });
   
   // Map entity type filters - if ?view=gear, only show gear initially
   const [showSpots, setShowSpots] = useState(!focusGear);
@@ -624,9 +635,26 @@ export default function MapPage() {
   const [layersOpen, setLayersOpen] = useState(false);
 
   const { toast } = useToast();
-  
-  // BTC Map center for fetching places
-  const [mapCenter, setMapCenter] = useState<{ lat: number; lon: number }>({ lat: 40.7128, lon: -74.006 });
+
+  // Optimistic initial view: if we have a cached last-known location, open the
+  // map ALREADY centered on the user's area (and zoomed to city level) instead
+  // of the default world view. Resolved once at mount — a fresh fix or a manual
+  // pan supersedes it. Makes the map feel "already yours" the moment it opens.
+  const [initialView] = useState(() => {
+    const cached = getLastLocation();
+    return cached
+      ? { center: [cached.lat, cached.lng] as [number, number], zoom: 12, lat: cached.lat, lon: cached.lng }
+      : { center: [40.7128, -74.006] as [number, number], zoom: 3, lat: 40.7128, lon: -74.006 };
+  });
+  const initialCenter = initialView.center;
+  const initialZoom = initialView.zoom;
+
+  // BTC Map center for fetching places — seeded from the cached location so
+  // location-aware layers (BTC Map, weather) query the right area immediately.
+  const [mapCenter, setMapCenter] = useState<{ lat: number; lon: number }>({
+    lat: initialView.lat,
+    lon: initialView.lon,
+  });
 
   // Near Me fly-to state
   const [flyTo, setFlyTo] = useState<{ lat: number; lng: number; zoom?: number } | null>(null);
@@ -641,11 +669,20 @@ export default function MapPage() {
     setNearMeError(null);
     setNearMeLoading(true);
 
+    // OPTIMISTIC: if we already know roughly where they are, fly there IMMEDIATELY
+    // so the map reacts on tap. The fresh fix below refines the exact position.
+    const cached = getLastLocation();
+    if (cached) {
+      setFlyTo({ lat: cached.lat, lng: cached.lng, zoom: 13 });
+    }
+
     // Getting a GPS lock (especially first-time / on ROMs without Google's
     // fused provider) can take a while — let the user know it's working.
     const locatingToast = toast({
-      title: 'Locating you…',
-      description: 'Getting a GPS fix. This can take up to a minute the first time.',
+      title: cached ? 'Refining your location…' : 'Locating you…',
+      description: cached
+        ? 'Centered on your last spot — dialing in a fresh GPS fix.'
+        : 'Getting a GPS fix. This can take up to a minute the first time.',
       duration: 60000,
     });
 
@@ -748,6 +785,27 @@ export default function MapPage() {
     }
   }, [sortBy, userLocation]);
 
+  // Silent background warm-up (once, on mount): quietly refresh the location fix
+  // so it's cached and ready the instant the user taps "Near Me". This never
+  // moves the map or shows a prompt-driven toast — it just updates the badge /
+  // cache in the background. Skipped on native, where it would surface an OS
+  // permission prompt out of context (native users trigger it via "Near Me").
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (isNativeGeolocation()) return;
+    let cancelled = false;
+    getCurrentPosition()
+      .then(({ lat, lng }) => {
+        if (!cancelled) setUserLocation({ lat, lon: lng });
+      })
+      .catch(() => {
+        // Silent — user hasn't asked to be located yet.
+      });
+    return () => {
+      cancelled = true;
+    };
+    // eslint-disable-next-line react-hooks/exhaustive-deps
+  }, []);
+
   // Combine spots and shops into unified list for map display
   const allLocations = useMemo(() => {
     const spotList = (spots || []).map(spot => ({ ...spot, isShop: false }));
@@ -1520,6 +1578,8 @@ export default function MapPage() {
               }>
                 <SpotMap
                   spots={mapSpots}
+                  center={initialCenter}
+                  zoom={initialZoom}
                   marketplaceItems={marketplaceItems || []}
                   tours={tours || []}
                   btcMapPlaces={btcMapPlaces || []}
@@ -1551,6 +1611,11 @@ export default function MapPage() {
                 </div>
               )}
 
+              {/* Cold-start skeleton: only while genuinely loading with NO
+                  markers on the map yet. The instant real (or cached) spots
+                  render, mapSpots.length > 0 and this disappears — no blank map. */}
+              {isLoading && mapSpots.length === 0 && <MapSkeletonPins />}
+
 
 
               {/* Map attribution — bottom-left, sits ABOVE the mobile bottom