Where was Top Gun filmed?

After getting an invitation for dinner, Maverick (Tom Cruise) arrives late to see Charlie (Kelly McGillis). He asks her if he can take a shower while she is cooking. “Of course not,” replies Charlie, smiling. Later, Charlie tells Maverick she invited him to dinner because she wants to know about his inverted maneuver with a MiG-28.

Charlie's beachfront house, the Graves House, was formerly located at 102 North Pacific Street in Oceanside. Built in 1887, the house has since been moved to make way for a new hotel. The house is now home to the Famous High Pie shop, which you can find a five-minute drive away at 250 N Pacific St.

Both locations are easily accessible. If you’re traveling from San Diego, it’s about a 40-mile drive north on I-5.

The pilots' hangout is where Maverick finally connects with Charlie. To his surprise, he finds out the next day that she is actually astrophysicist and instructor Charlotte Blackwood. Charlie becomes intrigued by Maverick's skills after hearing about him performing an inverted maneuver in a MiG-28. During Maverick's first training mission, he disregards the rule of engagement and flies below 10,000 feet (3,000 m), managing to defeat Lieutenant Commander Rick "Jester" Heatherly (Michael Ironside).

This scene was filmed at Kansas City Barbeque, which is a local favorite in San Diego, offering delicious Kansas City-style barbeque coupled with a great atmosphere. The bar suffered significant fire damage in 2008 and some invaluable memorabilia was lost. But it’s still going strong and still well worth a visit for Top Gun fans.

Kansas City Barbeque is found around a mile from the San Diego city center, and close to attractions like the Seaport Village shopping mall, so there’s plenty to see and do in the area.

After winning the training race, Maverick and Goose are congratulated by their peers in the locker room. However, Iceman (Val Kilmer) refuses to celebrate as he believes they broke the accepted height limit during the race. Iceman describes Maverick's actions as "foolish", "dangerous", and even worse than their enemies. In response, Maverick simply declares: "I am dangerous."

This scene was filmed at what was then known as Mission Beach Plunge, a large pool and recreation center located in the San Diego neighborhood of Mission Beach. Built in 1925, it has long been a popular swimming spot for locals. Now known as Plunge San Diego, it’s located along the beautiful Ocean Front Walk.

To get there, you’re looking at a 15-minute drive northwest from the San Diego city center.

The board of inquiry clears Maverick of all charges, but he is left feeling shaken and guilty. He contemplates quitting, but seeks advice from Viper (Tom Skerritt). Viper flew alongside Maverick's late father in the Vietnam War air battle where he was killed. Contrary to reports that faulted Mitchell for his demise, Viper reveals that he died a hero, inspiring Maverick to regain his self-confidence and succeed.

This Top Gun scene was filmed at the New Point Loma Lighthouse. Located on the rocky shores of Point Loma in San Diego, it stands as a beacon of security and guidance for ships entering and leaving San Diego Bay. The lighthouse was constructed in 1855 to complement the Older Point Loma Light which stood guard over the bay for more than five decades prior. It is one of nine still-functioning lighthouses in California that have been active since before statehood in 1850, showing just how important a part lighthouses played in US maritime safety.

To get to the New Point Loma Lighthouse, it’ll take you around half an hour by car. Take North Harbor Drive out of the city before eventually linking up with Cabrillo Memorial Drive.

Upon graduating, Maverick offers his congratulations to Iceman, who has won the Top Gun Trophy. The duo, along with Hollywood (Whip Hubley), receive orders to join the Enterprise crew in order to provide air support for the rescue mission of SS Layton, a communication ship that has found itself disabled and adrift in hostile waters.

This scene was filmed at the Island Club of Naval Air Station North Island. Located in Coronado, California, this is where several of the Navy's critical aviation commands are based. The facility houses different squadrons that carry out missions for both anti-submarine warfare and air-to-air combat. The base provides support for ships, aircraft, and personnel assigned to several Naval commands as well as other organizations.

To get to Naval Air Station North Island, take Interstate 5 south and make your way to the Coronado Bridge. It’s a roughly five-mile drive from the heart of the city.

On board the Enterprise, Iceman and Hollywood are tasked with providing air cover, whereas Maverick and Merlin (Tim Robbins) stand by. Iceman expresses his worries to Stinger (James Tolkan) about Maverick's mental condition, only to be told to mind his own business.

During the dogfight that ensues, Iceman and Hollywood find themselves up against not two, but six MiGs. After Hollywood is shot down, Maverick scrambles into the fight. He goes into a spin after being caught in another jet wash, but regains control. After breaking off from the fight momentarily, he re-engages and takes out three MiGs before Iceman destroys a fourth. The remaining two MiG fighters flee from the scene. Upon their triumphant return to Enterprise, all four pilots discover newfound mutual respect for one another and Maverick finally overcomes the guilt of an earlier training accident by throwing Goose's dog tags overboard.

These dogfight scenes were filmed at Naval Air Station Fallon, an important strategic base for the United States Navy located in Nevada. It is the site of two airfields and was originally named Naval Auxiliary Air Station.

To get to 4755 Pasture Road, Fallon, you’ll need to head about 70 miles east of Reno. Drive east on I-80 before linking up with US-50 to take you most of the way to your destination.