Making a new start in upscale Oceanside
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Top Gun House (Graves House)

4.5
·488 reviews·Oceanside, United States

Step into movie history at the iconic Top Gun House, now a charming pie shop with memorabilia and ocean views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds for pies

CrowdLow
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Making a new start in upscale Oceanside

Top Gun House (Graves House)

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds for pies

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into movie history at the iconic Top Gun House, now a charming pie shop with memorabilia and ocean views.

4.5
(488 reviews)

"It's cool getting a chance to step into a slice of the 80s hit Top Gun."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Hours Before You Go

The house can close early, so confirm operating hours to avoid disappointment.

🥧 Order Pies Freshly Baked

Pies are baked to order, so expect a short wait, but it's worth it!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Top Gun House

The Iconic Top Gun House

Oceanside, California

Step into movie history at this restored Victorian home, famous from the 1986 film 'Top Gun'.

Delicious Hand Pies

Delicious Hand Pies

The High Pie shop inside the house

Indulge in freshly baked hand pies, a perfect treat with ocean views. Apple, cherry, and seasonal options available.

Movie Memorabilia & Photo Ops

Movie Memorabilia & Photo Ops

Inside and outside the house

Explore movie props, photos, and a replica of Maverick's motorcycle for that perfect Top Gun fan photo.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Pie & Movie Magic

This historic house, famous from Top Gun, is now a pie shop! Expect delicious hand pies and movie memorabilia. It's a popular spot, so check hours before you go, especially if you're traveling from afar. TikTokReddit

Location & Vibe Check

Situated across from the Oceanside Pier, the Top Gun House offers ocean views and a nostalgic atmosphere. It's a charming, albeit touristy, stop for fans and a great photo op with a replica motorcycle. TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the crowds for pies
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour ocean views
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Getting mini pies at the Top Gun house #travel #topgun #movies #tomcrusie #oceanside #california #sandiego
@holland_28_
19.7K likes • 213.2K views

🎯 Check Hours Before You Go

The house can close early, so confirm operating hours to avoid disappointment. Reddit

🥧 Order Pies Freshly Baked

Pies are baked to order, so expect a short wait, but it's worth it! Reddit

ATENCIÓN FANATICOS DE TOP GUN, este lugar de Oceanside les va a fascinar y a hacer sentir que estuvieron en la película 🎥 #fyp #topgunmaverick #topgun #movietravel #tomcruise #topgunhouse #oceanside #oceansidecalifornia #cafeteria #highpie #movie #peliculas #estadosunidos #viajes #travel #bucketlisttravel #viajestiktok #traveltok #traveltiktok
@travelreportmx
10.3K likes • 153.4K views
Did you know that you can find the iconic Top Gun House in San Diego County and it has been transformed into a charming vintage pie shop? ✈️🥧 @highpie.f10 If you're a fan of the classic 1986 movie "Top Gun" starring Tom Cruise, this is a must-visit spot. Top Gun House 📍250 N Pacific St, Oceanside, CA 92054 Come and make your own Maverick memories! #thingstodoinsandiego #thingstodoinsocal #th...
melissagasia
100K likes • 3.9M views

📸 Photo Op with Motorcycle

Don't miss a chance to snap a pic with the Maverick motorcycle replica out front. TikTok

🌊 Enjoy the Ocean View

The house is right across from the pier, offering lovely ocean vistas. Instagram

500 sq. ft. of ✨Victorian Queen Anne charm✨, the Top Gun House aka the Graves House aka @highpie.f10 was built in 1887 by architect Ed Durgan and remains one of the oldest surviving beach cottages in San Diego County. 🌊🏠
visitoceanside
537 likes • 12.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Hours Before You Go

The house can close early, so confirm operating hours to avoid disappointment. Reddit

🥧 Order Pies Freshly Baked

Pies are baked to order, so expect a short wait, but it's worth it! Reddit

📸 Photo Op with Motorcycle

Don't miss a chance to snap a pic with the Maverick motorcycle replica out front. TikTok

🌊 Enjoy the Ocean View

The house is right across from the pier, offering lovely ocean vistas. Instagram

☕ Pair Pie with Coffee

Many visitors recommend enjoying your pie with a hot cup of coffee. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(488 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Top Gun House as a fun movie destination, praising the delicious hand pies and the nostalgic atmosphere filled with memorabilia. While some find the decor eclectic, the charming house and ocean views are consistently highlighted as positives. It's a highly recommended stop for any fan of the iconic film.

"FUN MOVIE DESTINATION! It's cool getting a chance to step into a slice of the 80s hit Top Gun. The Graves House specializes in Top Gun merch and pies?? It's an interesting combo, but it works! The decor is not my vibe, but the house itself is cute and I love the outdoor patio. There's memorabilia from the movie on the walls and gentle lighting for great pics. Be sure to get a pic on the sleek motorcycle out front. I'm ready for Top Gun 3 starring ME, haha!"

Lorenzo Warfel

"As a traveler and a pilot, visiting the Top Gun House was a unique experience. The place instantly takes you back to the movie vibes — right by the ocean, with an atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re part of the film.

I tried their famous High-Pie 🍓🫐🍏 (strawberry, blueberry, and apple) and it was extremely delicious — especially with coffee. The staff were super friendly, and having the view of the ocean right in front just made it even better.

✈️ For every Top Gun fan, this spot is a must-visit. It’s not just about dessert, it’s about living the movie experience.
Highly recommended! 🔥👌"

HAITHAM ALSUHAYMI

"The house used in the movie Top Gun has been moved here. Inside is a small cafe with a shop where you can buy pies by the piece. They bake them to order, so you have to wait 10 minutes, but it was so delicious that it was worth the wait. The first time I went, it was already closed, so be sure to check the time before going."

T M

What People Like

Delicious hand pies
Movie memorabilia
Nostalgic atmosphere

What People Dislike

Eclectic decor

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Top Gun House, also known as the Graves House, is located at 250 N Pacific St, Oceanside, CA 92054. It's easily accessible by car and is situated across from the Oceanside Pier. Parking can be tricky, especially on weekends. TikTokInstagram

Parking is available in the vicinity, particularly near the Oceanside Pier. However, it can get busy, especially during peak times and weekends, so be prepared for potential challenges. Instagram

Yes, the Top Gun House is a popular destination for those visiting San Diego. It's about an hour's drive north of San Diego and is a great addition to a coastal road trip. TikTok+1

Driving is the most common method. Public transport options are limited for direct access to the house itself, but you can reach Oceanside via Amtrak or bus services and then use local transport or ride-sharing. TikTok

Absolutely! It's located right across from the Oceanside Pier, making it easy to combine your visit with a stroll along the pier or exploring the nearby beach. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to visit the exterior of the Top Gun House. You can explore the grounds and take photos. If you wish to purchase pies or merchandise inside, you'll pay for those items directly. TikTok

Operating hours can vary, and it's highly recommended to check their official social media or website before your visit, as they sometimes close early. TikTokReddit

There is no admission fee to see the historic Top Gun House. You only pay for any pies or merchandise you choose to purchase from The High Pie shop. TikTok

Yes, you can go inside the Top Gun House, which has been transformed into The High Pie shop. You can browse the movie memorabilia and purchase delicious pies. TikTokInstagram

While not a formal tour, the house is filled with memorabilia, offering a self-guided experience. Special events might be announced on their social media channels. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The front exterior of the house, especially with the replica motorcycle, is a prime photo spot. Inside, the decor and memorabilia offer great backdrops. The ocean view across the street is also picturesque. TikTokInstagram

Yes, you are welcome to take photos inside the Top Gun House while browsing the memorabilia and enjoying the atmosphere. Reddit

Late afternoons often provide beautiful lighting with the ocean backdrop. However, the interior is well-lit, making it suitable for photos at any time during operating hours. Instagram

A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is sufficient for capturing the atmosphere and memorabilia. If you're aiming for professional shots, a DSLR with a versatile lens would be ideal. TikTok

Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. Be mindful of other visitors and staff, and avoid intrusive photography. Instagram

🍽️ 🥧 Food & Dining

The Top Gun House is home to The High Pie, which specializes in delicious hand pies. Popular flavors include apple, cherry, and blueberry, with seasonal options also available. TikTokInstagram

Prices for the hand pies are generally reasonable, often around $5-$7 per pie, with options to add ice cream a la mode for an additional cost. Reddit

Yes, The High Pie also offers coffee and other beverages, which pair perfectly with their pies. InstagramReddit

Information on specific dietary options like vegan or gluten-free pies is not widely available. It's best to inquire directly with The High Pie staff upon your visit. TikTok

Many visitors find the pies to be extremely delicious and well worth the short wait, especially when they are baked to order. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Top Gun House offers a fun and engaging stop for families. Kids will likely enjoy the novelty of visiting a movie house and the chance to see the replica motorcycle. TikTok The hand pies from The High Pie are a hit with all ages, providing a tasty treat for everyone. TikTokReddit It's a relatively quick visit, making it easy to fit into a day of exploring Oceanside, especially since it's right across from the pier and a playground. Instagram

✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts & Pilots

For those with a passion for aviation, the Top Gun House is a pilgrimage site. As a pilot, visiting this iconic filming location offers a unique connection to the world of naval aviation depicted in the film. Reddit The house itself, steeped in history and movie lore, provides a tangible link to the 'Top Gun' universe. Instagram Enjoying a pie while overlooking the ocean can further enhance the feeling of being part of that adventurous spirit. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Instagrammers

The Top Gun House is a visually appealing spot for photographers. The charming Victorian architecture, combined with the movie memorabilia and the replica motorcycle, offers plenty of unique photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram The ocean view across the street adds another layer of scenic beauty, especially during golden hour. Instagram Inside, the decor provides a nostalgic backdrop for flat lays or portraits. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of the Graves House

The structure now known as the Top Gun House was originally built in 1887 by Dr. Henry Graves, a prominent physician, as a vacation home. It's a beautiful example of Victorian Queen Anne architecture and is one of the oldest surviving beach cottages in San Diego County. Instagram+2 Its historical significance was further cemented when Paramount Pictures selected it as the filming location for Charlie Blackwood's residence in the iconic 1986 film 'Top Gun'. The house has since been meticulously restored, preserving its historical charm while adapting it for its current use. Instagram+1

Preservation and Transformation

The house's journey from a private residence to a movie set and now a beloved local business is a testament to its enduring appeal. After years of being boarded up, it was revitalized and moved back to the strand, becoming a focal point for both history buffs and film enthusiasts. Instagram The restoration efforts have ensured that the architectural integrity of the Graves House is maintained, allowing visitors to appreciate its original beauty. Instagram This careful preservation allows visitors to connect with the past while enjoying the present-day offerings of the pie shop. Instagram

Experiencing 'Top Gun' Nostalgia

For fans of the 1986 blockbuster 'Top Gun,' visiting the Top Gun House is like stepping directly into a scene from the movie. The house is adorned with memorabilia from the film, including photographs and props that evoke the era and the characters. TikTokReddit A popular photo opportunity is with the replica of Maverick's motorcycle, a nod to iconic moments from the film. TikTok The atmosphere inside is designed to transport visitors back to the 80s, making it a truly immersive experience for movie buffs. Reddit

More Than Just a Movie Set

Beyond the movie connection, the Top Gun House offers a delightful culinary experience with The High Pie. Visitors can enjoy delicious hand pies, often baked to order, which have become a signature offering. InstagramReddit The combination of cinematic nostalgia and tasty treats creates a unique and memorable visit. Many reviewers highlight the friendly staff and the overall charming ambiance, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone looking to relive movie magic or simply enjoy a good pie with a view. InstagramReddit

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