Foursquare Explore API radius parameter not working

Question

When using the explore endpoint with near vs ll gives different results when you specify a radius.

When using ll, the radius works as expected. But when the query uses near it seems like it ignores the radius parameter.

My queries (without the client id and secret): https://api.foursquare.com/v2/venues/explore?near=Menlo%20Park%20California&radius=250&section=coffee&v=20130101

https://api.foursquare.com/v2/venues/explore?ll=37.45383,-122.18219&radius=250&section=coffee&v=20130101

The first one overrides the radius parameter and in the response it shows a "suggestedRadius":7924 The second one returns a "suggestedRadius":250 like expected.

Am I doing something wrong? Has anyone else seen this behavior?
Is there a way I can use the "near" parameter and a radius correctly?

Thanks!

Answer 1

The radius parameter has no effect when used with near. For example, this query https://api.foursquare.com/v2/venues/explore?near=Menlo%20Park%20California&radius=10&section=coffee&v=20130101 or running it without a radius parameter altogether still returns the same results as your original query.

If you want to achieve a similar effect, perhaps narrow down you near parameter by doing something such as supplying a zipcode.