‘Top Gun’ 101: San Diego locations where the movie was filmed

“Top Gun” was released on May 16, 1986 and the classic film starring Tom Cruise + Kelly McGillis still takes our breath away.

Maybe it’s because everyone needs a wingman (love you forever, Goose). Maybe it’s the high-flying action. Maybe it’s the Charlie + Maverick love story. Or, maybe it’s because so much of the iconic movie was filmed right here in our city — and that nostalgia is close to the hearts of many San Diegans (raises hand).

Whatever the appeal is, it’s clear we’ll never lose that lovin’ feeling. We feel the need for a little “Top Gun” 101 — let’s cruise through some of the local sites seen in the movie.

Kansas City Barbeque | 600 W. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero

This longtime sports bar + BBQ restaurant is where Goose (Anthony Edwards) and Maverick (Tom Cruise) hop on the piano and play “Great Balls of Fire” as Carole (Meg Ryan) and Charlie (Kelly McGillis) sing along. If you’re streaming the movie, catch the location at around the 1:01 mark. See it again at 1:43 in the unforgettable “it’s looking good so far” ending with Charlie and Maverick.

Today, Kansas City Barbeque is filled to the brim with “Top Gun” memorabilia, including that very same piano, which is the bar owner’s personal childhood instrument. You can even sit at the keys and have yourself a little fan moment — that’s a must for me every time I visit. Pro tip: This famous spot can get crowded on weekends, so consider a weekday visit. Bartender “Chris from Ohio” is awesome.

Liberty Station | 2820 Roosevelt Rd. (at Historic Decatur Road), Point Loma

This historic location used to serve as the Naval Training Center San Diego and is seen around the 52:33 mark, as Charlie tries to catch up with Maverick. We’d recognize those arches + windows anywhere.

Today, Liberty Station’s earth tone buildings have transformed into restaurants, art galleries + small businesses. The site is also home to the popular Liberty Public Market.

The Graves House (aka “Charlie’s House”) | 250 N. Pacific St. at Mission Pacific Hotel, Oceanside

With its sweeping ocean views, this seaside cottage in San Diego’s North County is unforgettable at the film’s 42:48 mark, as Maverick rides his motorcycle to the front door — and again at 1:24:51.

The small, folk-style Victorian bungalow was built in 1887 by Dr. Henry Graves, and is the one of the oldest homes still standing in Oceanside. In May 2020, the home was moved down the street from its original location to the new Mission Pacific Beach Resort.

Restored and looking gorgeous, “Charlie’s House” reopened in May 2022 as a sweets shop called High-Pie. It’s open Wednesday-Tuesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

The Lafayette Hotel & Club | 2223 El Cajon Blvd., North Park

In the Mississippi Ballroom of this historic North Park hotel — around the film’s 22:00 mark — Maverick + Goose belt out their one-of-a-kind rendition of “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” in a crowded bar, right to Charlie.

Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

The Lafayette opened in 1946 and has always had Hollywood appeal. Developer Larry Imig built the hotel and Olympic gold medalist + “Tarzan” actor Johnny Weissmuller designed its pool. The property has entertained many celebrities over the decades, including Ava Gardner.

The hotel completed a $31 million renovation in 2023 focused on keeping the property’s vintage charm while adding new restaurants + bars to usher in a modern era of glamour. We can still hear the faint sounds of Tom Cruise singing, though.

The New Point Loma Lighthouse | Cabrillo Road, Point Loma

Located at the tip of the Point Loma peninsula — near Cabrillo National Monument — this gorgeous spot acted as Viper’s house at the film’s 1:22:48 mark.

This lighthouse began operating on March 23, 1891, replacing the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which was plagued by thick fog + low clouds. Today, the New Point Loma Lighthouse houses US Coast Guard officers — and the views of the Pacific Ocean are just as epic as they were in “Top Gun.”

West Laurel + Union streets | Bankers Hill

At around 52:59 Charlie pulls over in her Porsche at this intersection in Bankers Hill. Maverick stops his motorcycle and Charlie says she’s falling for him. The big palm tree seen in the shot — on the right + south side of Union Street — is still there.

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar | Miramar Way

When “Top Gun” was filmed, this site was called Naval Air Station Miramar — and it played the backdrop of the flight scenes + flight school. Today, MCAS Miramar gives civilians a glimpse at high-flying, military pilots during its annual Miramar Air Show. Pro tip: The beloved event is set to return in September 2025.

Talk to me, Goose

Of course, this is just a sample of the many local spots seen in “Top Gun.” We also spy a stretch of the Embarcadero near Seaport Village and San Diego Bay during Maverick’s motorcycle ride at the 1:03 mark, and the locker rooms of The Plunge at Belmont Park around 59:52. There’s a lot to see.

The film’s strong ties to our city have withstood the test of time — so much so that when the highly-anticipated sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick,” hit theaters on May 27, 2022, the cast and crew saw it fitting to have the film’s world premiere right here in San Diego. The deck of the USS Midway Museum was covered with a red carpet and Cruise even arrived in a helicopter.

It’s safe to say, “Top Gun” is forever ingrained in SD’s culture and the film can be our city’s wingman anytime.