Top Gun Filming Locations in San Diego: The Ultimate Guide
Touring the Most Popular Top Gun Filming Locations in San Diego
Ever since its 1986 release, Top Gun has been a worldwide hit.
The 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, was also hugely entertaining!
This time, let’s explore spots in and around San Diego where many key scenes from the original Top Gun were filmed!
From must-see locations for die-hard fans to all-around appealing sights, these highlights will be perfect additions to your San Diego itinerary.
1. What Is San Diego?
San Diego is the second-largest major city in California after Los Angeles.
Although San Diego International Airport serves the city, you can also reach it by car from Los Angeles in about two hours.
With family-friendly attractions like the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and LEGOLAND, it’s a hugely popular area for visitors of all ages.
2. About the Blockbuster Film Top Gun
Released in 1986, Top Gun is a smash-hit sky-action film starring Tom Cruise.
It follows the intense training and real-world missions at “Top Gun,” an elite fighter-pilot school established by the U.S. Navy.
One of the movie’s biggest draws is its adrenaline-pumping aerial combat scenes, filmed with full cooperation from the U.S. Navy!
The film also delivers plenty of emotion—showing Maverick’s romance with flight instructor Charlie and his growth after the tragic death of a friend during training.
You’ll find many places in and around San Diego where you can soak up the movie’s atmosphere!
3. Top Gun House
This is the house that appears in the film as flight instructor Charlie’s home.
Located in the seaside town of Oceanside along the route from Los Angeles to San Diego, you’ll need to drive about 38 miles (around 37 minutes) north if you’re coming from the San Diego area.
The stylish beachfront cottage now operates as a café that sells small pies filled with ice cream.
I ordered the apple pie, and its sweet-tart flavor was absolutely delicious.
Eating my pie while looking out at the Oceanside Pier made for a perfect moment.
For more details, check the Instagram post!
4. Kansas City Barbeque
This is the restaurant where Goose plays the piano and, together with Maverick and the others, belts out Jerry Lee Lewis’s “Great Balls of Fire.”
It’s a memorable scene that shows the crew off-duty, having fun, and highlighting the close friendship between Maverick and Goose.
Today the interior looks quite different from the movie—Top Gun posters adorn the walls, and the tables and chairs have been rearranged.
Still, the lively atmosphere remains the same, so if you’re a Top Gun fan, be sure to stop by!
5. Liberty Station
This site served as a Naval Training Center from 1923 to 1997.
Today the area has been redeveloped with homes and commercial spaces, and it’s fully open to the public.
It was used for the mid-film scene where Maverick ignores Charlie’s call and hops on his motorcycle.
The movie’s distinctive arcade—so memorable on screen—looks exactly the same in real life!
Nearby, the wide, flag-draped space known as Ingram Plaza felt wonderfully open and inviting.
It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, so be sure to wander around!
Check Instagram for more details!
While you’re touring the filming sites, be sure to drop by the popular Fig Tree Cafe inside Liberty Station as well! Check Instagram for more details!
6. New Point Loma Lighthouse
Located at the tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, this lighthouse appears in the film as Viper’s home; however, because it sits inside a military facility, it’s off-limits to the general public.
Nearby you’ll find another beacon, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which is open to visitors.
From Cabrillo National Monument—home to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse—you can enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay, and there are several hiking trails, so take some time to explore!
7. USS Midway Museum
This attraction lets you step aboard a genuine aircraft carrier—the longest-serving carrier of the 20th century.
While not a filming location, it’s a fantastic place to learn in detail how the U.S. Navy actually operated.
A Japanese-language audio guide is available, so be sure to give it a try!
If you take your time and follow the audio tour through every deck, you can easily spend a full day—or more—exploring, so plan plenty of time for your visit.
Check Instagram for more details!
8. Unwind After Sightseeing at Paradise Point Resort & Spa
This resort hotel has a tropical atmosphere, with the beach stretching out right in front of you!
Book a beach-side room and you can step straight onto the sand from your door.
The expansive pool, gym, and other amenities make it a great place to simply relax and enjoy the hotel itself.
After a day of touring filming locations, be sure to wind down here in comfort!
Check Instagram for more details!
9. Conclusion
San Diego lets you fully immerse yourself in the world of Top Gun!
Enjoy every moment of the movie’s atmosphere and make your trip truly unforgettable!
There are plenty of other great spots to visit in San Diego—check out our Instagram for all the details!
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