Top fun in the city where Top Gun was filmed

Rumours are flying about the new Tom Cruise film, set to hit the big screen on July 12, 2019. Top Gun: Maverick is the sequel to Top Gun, the mega-smash movie from 1986 – yes, that’s right, it’s 32 years old!

Filming started in May before Cruise headed off to promote his latest film, Mission Impossible: Fallout. Shooting will recommence in September. No word yet about the September location, but in May the team was back in San Diego – home to the real-life Naval Air Station North Island and setting for the original movie.

Less than two hours south of LA, San Diego is a great spot for a getaway – especially if you’re mad about planes or wanting to take a Top Gun pilgrimage. To celebrate the new film – and honour the beloved original – here are a few essential stops:

1. Goodness, gracious, great balls of fire!

Remember when Maverick (Cruise) and Goose (Anthony Edwards) sang “Great Balls of Fire” (really badly)? Or when Carole (Meg Ryan) called out the famous line: “Goose, you big stuuuuuud! Take me to bed or lose me forever!”? It all took place in Kansas City Barbeque. Located right across the road from the Grand Hyatt San Diego in the city’s famous Gaslamp Quarter, entering the bar is like taking a trip in a time machine, as it still looks exactly like it did in the movie – give or take a bunch of Top Gun memorabilia on the walls.

2. The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum

This museum inspired the movie and – as true fans will know – is how Top Gun got its name (it’s taken from the name of the United States Navy Fighter Tactics Instructor programme). A visit to this museum will allow you view a collection of restored Douglas A-4 Skyhawks (as flown by Mike “Viper” Metcalf and Rick “Jester” Heatherly in the movie). Walk in the shoes of trainees to learn what it takes to complete the Top Gun programme and how San Diego was the birthplace of Naval Aviation – the first base was built on the island of Coronado in 1917.

3. Viper’s House

Drive up to the Cabrillo National Monument at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula. From here, you can see the city of San Diego, the navy base and the ocean. Look down towards the water, next to the tide pools, and you’ll see the New Point Loma Lighthouse. Next to it is the house that doubled as Viper’s House in the original Top Gun – this is where Maverick sought advice from Viper on a Sunday afternoon. In real life, it’s a top spot for some Sunday afternoon sightseeing.

4. The need for speed

Movie fans can experience the thrill of Top Gun Fighter Pilot School during the popular MCAS Miramar Air Show, held September 28-30, 2018. The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, better known as the Blue Angels, has been the indisputable “star of the show” since the 1940s. Flying F/A-18 Hornets painted in navy blue and gold since 1986, these masters of the sky have demonstrated aerial excellence in the Navy’s top piston and jet aircraft.

5. You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’

More dodgy singing! In the original movie, Maverick and Goose embarrass Charlie (Kelly McGillis) with a tuneless rendition of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” in a crowded bar. In actual fact this scene was shot in the Mississippi Ballroom at The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows.
Opened in 1946, The Lafayette Hotel is no stranger to the glitz of Hollywood, having been designed by five-time Olympic gold-medal winner (and former Tarzan), Johnny Weissmuller, and with Hollywood royalty such as Ava Gardner lounging by the poolside over the years.