7 Iconic 'Top Gun' Filming Locations That Are Worth Visiting

The iconic film "Top Gun" has seven filming locations featuring historic places, including those you may have visited without realizing they're actually where the movie's brightest stars filmed iconic scenes.

For years, most people have wondered where the hit film "Top Gun" was filmed, as its settings seemingly suggest that it was possibly shot in far-flung and undisclosed places.

The truth is that most scenes were captured in tourist destinations. Taking place primarily in the United States, the film's most iconic shooting spots are hidden in plain sight: San Diego and Oceanside in California.

The Enduring Legacy of Hollywood's Most Exciting Film

"Top Gun" remains a timeless icon in the realm of cinema, owing to its enthralling aerial cinematography, captivating location scenes, multi-million blockbuster success, and lasting influence on popular culture.

Debuted in 1986, the movie features Tom Cruise in the role of Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, Val Kilmer as Tom "Iceman" Kazansky, and Anthony Edwards as Nick "Goose" Bradshaw.

Actress Kelly McGillis portrayed Cruise's on-screen love interest, Charlotte "Charlie" Blackwood. While "Top Gun" might seem like a pure Hollywood film, it actually has its roots in reality.

The film's inspiration came from California Magazine, which follows the daily hustles of the U.S. Naval Air Station in Miramar, San Diego. This was the home of the legendary U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, famously known as Top Gun, until 1996.

Just three decades later, the film released its 2022 sequel, "Top Gun: Maverick," in which Cruise and Kilmer reprised their roles. New faces were also featured, including Miles Teller, Glenn Powell, Jon Hamm, and Jennifer Connelly.

The film did not just propel fighter jets through the skies and spark fans' fascination with planes—it also catapulted Cruise and his fellow co-stars into action movie stardom.

While the movie takes audiences on a thrilling ride through the skies, it also brings them to various San Diego locations that have since become iconic in their own right: Charlie's House, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, and Kansas City Barbecue.

Liberty Station, the New Point Loma Lighthouse, West Laurel Street at Union Street, and The Plunge San Diego also became timeless, continuously captivating visitors and movie enthusiasts alike.

The Kansas City Barbeque gained fame through the iconic film, earning the moniker "Top Gun Bar."

Charlie's House—Now a Dessert Destination

Located in Oceanside, California, Charlie's House is a historic Victorian cottage, formerly known as Graves House, with a fascinating story. The house, built in the late 1800s, went through various owners and changes over the years.

McGillis's character, Charlie, once lived in the cottage, as shown in the 1986 film. Interestingly, McGillis stayed in this cozy sky blue-colored dwelling during the filming.

After being featured in the movie, the house faced potential demolition due to development plans. But in 2018, a restoration project was announced as part of a new resort. They relocated and carefully restored the house, including its windows, chimneys, and porches.

The renovated house welcomed visitors in 2022, coinciding with the release of the film's latest sequel. Visitors can not only look through the displayed memorabilia but also eat pies. The place is known as High Pie. Pie shop owner Tara Lazar said:

"I decided on pie because I feel it personifies Americana at its finest. Just like 'Top Gun,' the military, Victorian architecture — pie feels like a great common denominator to bring these American adorations together."

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar— The Birthplace of 'Top Gun'

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, once a Mexican commandant's ranchero, played a crucial role as a critical facility for advanced pilot training during World War II, serving the needs of the Navy and the Marine Corps.

Following the war, the Navy maintained control of the base for over five decades, leading to the evolution of Miramar into the renowned "Fightertown USA," housing its F-14 squadrons.

Located in San Diego, California, the air base's fame skyrocketed as it became the legendary film location for the blockbuster film "Top Gun." In the movie, it's known as Top Gun Flight Training School. The base is known for its most extensive military air show.

Kansas City Barbeque— The Place Where Goose Played the Piano

This San Diego-based restaurant is at 610 W. Market Street and it's perfect for food enthusiasts. The Kansas City Barbeque gained fame through the iconic film, earning the moniker "Top Gun Bar."

This diner served as the leisure spot for the characters in the film, with scenes showing them gathering around and enjoying their beverages. Goose became iconic for his memorable piano rendition of "Great Balls of Fire" in the 1986 film.

New Point Loma Lighthouse— 'Top Gun' Viper's Coastal Retreat

During the making of "Top Gun," the house near the New Point Loma Lighthouse in San Diego served as the on-screen coastal residence of Mike "Viper" Metcalf. In one scene, Maverick visits Viper and debates about Maverick possibly leaving school there.

Apart from being an iconic movie scene, this place has an interesting history as San Diego's first lighthouse. It was lit up for the first time in November 1855. The site serves as an important facility for the Coast Guard.

While it's not open to the public, the place is viewable from the Cabrillo National Monument or the Point Loma Tide Pools parking area.

Liberty Station— Behind the History of the 'Top Gun' Classroom

The Liberty Station, at 2820 Roosevelt Road, San Diego, was formerly a Navy training center. It's notable for its several flight training scenes and a bit of Maverick and Charlie's drama from "Top Gun."

Before the area served as a classroom in the film, Liberty Station was historically known for its strong military presence during World War II under President Frederick D. Roosevelt's presidency.

From becoming a vital defense resource, Liberty Station is now one of the bustling commercial areas, captivating visitors with its chain of restaurants and shops.

West Laurel Street at Union Street—Where Romance and Drama Unfolded

West Laurel Street between Union Street and Curlew Street at Bankers Hill, is another famous "Top Gun" spot. This iconic place is close to the San Diego International Airport and continues to captivate visitors.

In the film, the intersection is where Charlie and Maverick have an angry exchange that leads to Charlie driving her convertible car and chasing Maverick onboard his motorcycle, ultimately ending the fight with a kiss.

The Plunge San Diego— A 'Top Gun' Pool with a Historical Past

The Plunge San Diego is a historic pool at 3115 Ocean Front Walk in San Diego. The pool also gained fame as a location for a locker room scene between characters Maverick and Tom "Iceman" Kazansky from the movie "Top Gun."

Originally built in 1925, the Plunge was once the world's largest saltwater pool, holding 355,000 gallons of water. The pool was reminiscent of the Spanish Renaissance buildings found in Balboa Park. The pool measures 60 feet by 175 feet.

In 1940, it was converted to fresh water and became the largest heated pool in Southern California. Its recently renovated features include floor-to-ceiling windows and a retractable roof.

The Plunge also has an oceanfront amusement park and offers stunning panoramic views. It's open to the public and welcomes swimmers of all ages.