It’s one of the most iconic action movies of all time — and nearly four decades later, Top Gun remains a pop-culture phenomenon. From Maverick and Goose’s cocky charm to the adrenaline-pumping flight scenes, the 1986 film captured the imagination of audiences around the world. But a huge part of the movie’s enduring appeal lies in its real-world setting: sleek fighter jets soaring over the California coast, sun-soaked beaches, and bustling Navy bases.
So, where was the movie Top Gun filmed? Let’s take a tour of the iconic locations that brought Top Gun to life — and where you can still visit today.
Naval Air Station Miramar, San Diego, California
The heart of Top Gun’s story is the legendary Navy Fighter Weapons School, better known as TOPGUN — and in the 1980s, that school was based at Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego. The base served as the primary filming location for much of the movie’s flight instruction and ground scenes. Its nickname, “Fightertown USA,” reflects its storied history in U.S. Naval aviation.
Fun fact: director Tony Scott waited five full days to capture a perfect sunset takeoff shot at Miramar — determined to get the “golden hour” lighting just right. That iconic shot became one of the film’s most visually memorable moments.
Though the real Top Gun program moved to Nevada in the 1990s, the base — now called Marine Corps Air Station Miramar — remains an aviation landmark. While public access is limited, annual air shows and occasional tours offer fans a chance to glimpse this iconic location where Maverick’s story began.
Kansas City Barbeque, San Diego
One of the most beloved civilian filming locations is Kansas City Barbeque, the unassuming downtown restaurant where Goose famously plays “Great Balls of Fire” on the piano. Located near Seaport Village in San Diego, the bar was chosen for its relaxed atmosphere and “all-American” vibe, making it the perfect backdrop for the film’s off-duty scenes.
Watch the Maverick and Goose “Great Balls Of Fire” (Top Gun)
Behind the scenes: the famous piano scene wasn’t in the original script — it was improvised on set after the crew spotted the piano and Tom Cruise suggested using it. The spontaneous moment became one of the film’s most iconic.
Today, Kansas City Barbeque proudly embraces its Top Gun legacy. Visitors can see memorabilia, stills from the movie, and the very same piano used in the scene. For fans making a Top Gun pilgrimage, it’s a must-visit — and the ribs are excellent, too.
Oceanfront Scenes — San Diego County Beaches
Few movie moments are as iconic as Top Gun’s sun-drenched beach volleyball scene. Filmed at Breakers Beach on the Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, this sequence captured the film’s carefree spirit and California cool. Access to Breakers Beach is typically restricted to military personnel and their guests, but nearby public beaches in San Diego County offer similarly picturesque views.
Fun fact: the volleyball scene was originally scripted to be just 20 seconds long — but after seeing the dailies, studio execs loved the vibe and asked Tony Scott to extend it. The now-famous sequence was later set to Kenny Loggins’ “Playing with the Boys” and became one of the film’s standout moments.
The movie also shot several other oceanfront scenes along the San Diego coastline, using its natural beauty to contrast with the high-tech world of fighter jets. These beaches remain a key part of Top Gun’s timeless visual appeal.
Fighter Cockpit Sequences — NAS Fallon, Nevada
While much of the ground action was filmed in California, the film’s jaw-dropping aerial combat scenes were shot with the cooperation of the U.S. Navy’s elite pilots flying out of Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada. The base’s vast airspace and advanced training capabilities made it the ideal location for capturing realistic dogfight footage.
Production detail: to get those incredible cockpit shots, the filmmakers had to custom-build camera rigs that could handle the G-forces inside an F-14 — and the Navy pilots were paid extra bonuses to fly with these rigs installed. It was groundbreaking aerial cinematography for its time.
High-speed aerial photography, state-of-the-art equipment, and daring Navy pilots helped deliver some of the most thrilling flight scenes ever put on film. These sequences gave Top Gun its pulse-pounding energy — and inspired a generation of aviation fans.
Final Battle Airspace — Pacific Ocean Skies
To stage the movie’s climactic dogfight, producers took the F-14 Tomcats high above the Pacific Ocean, filming over international waters west of California. With real jets in the air, the production captured dynamic air-to-air combat that gave Top Gun an unprecedented level of authenticity.
Behind the scenes: late in the shoot, the production ran out of flight hours funded by the studio — so Tony Scott reportedly paid $25,000 of his own money to rent extra time with an aircraft carrier and pilots, ensuring the final battle sequence could be completed exactly as he envisioned.
Rather than relying solely on models or effects, the team insisted on real planes, real pilots, and real locations. The result? Action sequences that remain thrilling even today — a major reason why Top Gun has stood the test of time.
Final Take
Where was the movie Top Gun filmed? The answer spans California and Nevada: from legendary Navy airfields to sun-kissed beaches and open Pacific skies. The film’s authentic locations — combined with cutting-edge aerial cinematography — helped create a cinematic classic that continues to resonate.
For fans, visiting these iconic spots offers a chance to step into Maverick’s world and experience the magic of Top Gun firsthand. Whether you’re a longtime devotee or a new fan discovering the original after Top Gun: Maverick, these filming sites are well worth the trip.
