California · City directory
Tattoo shops in San Diego
32 directory shops in San Diego, California. Top-rated: Sailor's Grave Tattoo Gallery · 5.0★. Local artists work in American traditional, black & grey and realism.
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Every tattoo shop in San Diego
32 shops sorted by adjusted rating, with hours, phone and directions where we have them.
Sailor's Grave Tattoo Gallery
5.0(889)Located in San Diego, CA, Sailor's Grave Tattoo Gallery boasts a stellar 5-star rating across 889 reviews. The shop welcomes walk-ins and specializes in various tattoo styles, including American Traditional, Japanese/Irezumi, and Fine Line. Reviewers mention the friendly atmosphere and the artists' attention to detail, making it a memorable experience for both first-timers and returning clients.
3958 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
Hours on shop pageAmerican Traditional · Script / Lettering · Fine LineAbove All Tattoo - Pacific Beach
4.9(914)Located in San Diego, CA, Above All Tattoo - Pacific Beach boasts a remarkable 4.9-star rating from 914 reviews. This shop offers a variety of services, including custom tattoo designs, piercing services, and aftercare products. Reviewers mention the artists' attention to detail and the welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular choice for both first-timers and seasoned tattoo enthusiasts.
1142 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
Hours on shop pageJapanese / Irezumi · Aftercare Products · Walk-ins WelcomeSan Diego Tattoo Company
4.9(854)Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego Tattoo Company boasts a remarkable 4.9-star rating from 854 reviews. The shop offers a variety of services including custom tattoo designs, piercing services, and aftercare products. Reviewers mention a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff who make customers feel comfortable throughout their experience.
1026 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
Hours on shop pageBlack & Grey · Aftercare Products · Walk-ins WelcomeMission Beach Tattoo
4.9(726)Located in San Diego, CA, Mission Beach Tattoo boasts a 4.9-star rating from 726 reviews. They welcome walk-ins and offer a range of services including custom tattoo designs and piercing. Reviewers mention the friendly atmosphere and appreciate the talent of the artists, particularly Kyle, who is frequently praised for his quick and clean work.
3215 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Hours on shop pageAmerican Traditional · Walk-ins Welcome · Piercing ServicesRock Bottom Tattoo Studio
4.9(491)Rock Bottom Tattoo Studio, located in San Diego, CA, boasts a remarkable 4.9-star rating from 491 reviews. They welcome walk-ins and offer a variety of services including custom tattoo designs, cover-up tattoos, and geometric styles. Reviewers mention the artists' attention to detail and their ability to create exactly what clients envision.
101 Park Plz Ste 151, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Hours on shop pageFine Line · Geometric / Mandala · Black & GreyFunhouse Tattoo
4.9(481)Located in San Diego, CA, Funhouse Tattoo boasts a stellar 4.9-star rating from 481 reviews. The shop welcomes walk-ins and offers a range of services including custom tattoo designs, American Traditional, Japanese/Irezumi, and realism. Reviewers mention the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, as well as the excellent communication and support from the artists throughout the tattoo process.
1453 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Hours on shop pageAmerican Traditional · Japanese / Irezumi · Black & GreyKing's Head Tattoo
5.0(145)Located in San Diego, CA, King's Head Tattoo boasts a 5-star rating from 145 reviews. Offering a variety of services including cover-up tattoos, custom designs, and styles such as American Traditional and Japanese Irezumi, this shop is praised for its welcoming atmosphere and the friendly demeanor of its artists. Reviewers mention that the artists engage in pleasant conversations, making the tattoo experience enjoyable.
1572 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Hours on shop pageAmerican Traditional · Script / Lettering · Japanese / IrezumiRose Body Piercing
5.0(126)Located in San Diego, CA, Rose Body Piercing has earned a 5-star rating from 126 reviews. This welcoming shop offers a range of services including piercing, online booking, and aftercare products. Reviewers mention the friendly staff and their thoroughness in addressing questions, making every experience enjoyable and informative.
2121 Fifth Ave #200, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Hours on shop pageAftercare Products · Walk-ins Welcome · Piercing ServicesUFF Tattoo & Piercing San Diego
5.0(116)Located in San Diego, CA, UFF Tattoo & Piercing boasts a perfect 5-star rating from 116 reviews. This vibrant studio welcomes walk-ins and offers a range of services including custom tattoo designs, piercing services, and cover-up tattoos. Reviewers mention the friendly atmosphere and talented artists, making every visit a memorable experience.
1043 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Hours on shop pageAmerican Traditional · Script / Lettering · Fine LineHoly Cobra Tattoo Parlour
4.9(316)Holy Cobra Tattoo Parlour, located in San Diego, CA, boasts a stellar 4.9-star rating from 316 reviews. Walk-ins are welcome, and customers can choose from flash tattoos or collaborate on custom designs. Reviewers mention the welcoming atmosphere and the artists' ability to make clients feel comfortable during the tattooing process.
1025 W Laurel St Ste 104, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Hours on shop pageWalk-ins Welcome · Flash Tattoos Available · Custom Tattoo Designs1904 Tattoo
5.0(95)Located in San Diego, CA, 1904 Tattoo boasts a remarkable 5-star rating across 95 reviews. This shop offers a wide range of tattoo services, including Minimalist, Cover-Up Tattoos, Custom Designs, and more. Reviewers mention the welcoming atmosphere and the attentive nature of the artists, particularly highlighting their ability to translate ideas into stunning designs.
1480 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Hours on shop pageMinimalist / Micro · American Traditional · Script / LetteringTattoo Temple
5.0(81)Tattoo Temple, located in San Diego, CA, boasts a remarkable 5-star rating from 81 reviews. The shop specializes in custom tattoo designs, including Fine Line, Japanese/Irezumi, Geometric/Mandala, Black & Grey, and Realism/Portrait. Reviewers mention the welcoming atmosphere and the artists’ genuine care for their clients throughout the tattoo process.
3919 Fourth Ave Ste A, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
Hours on shop pageFine Line · Japanese / Irezumi · Geometric / MandalaPropaganda Tattoo
4.9(177)Located in San Diego, CA, Propaganda Tattoo boasts an impressive 4.9-star rating across 177 reviews. The shop welcomes walk-ins and offers a diverse range of services, including custom tattoo designs, cover-up tattoos, and various styles such as American traditional and realism. Reviewers mention the thoughtful and communicative nature of the artists, highlighting their commitment to understanding client ideas and expectations.
4320 Voltaire St, San Diego, CA 92107, USA
Hours on shop pageAmerican Traditional · Script / Lettering · Fine LineSugoi! Tattoos and Piercings
4.9(131)Located in San Diego, CA, Sugoi! Tattoos and Piercings boasts a stellar rating of 4.9 stars from 131 reviews. Offering services such as custom tattoo designs, cover-up tattoos, and piercing services, this vibrant studio is frequently praised for its welcoming atmosphere and the creative talent of its artists. Reviewers mention the fun, anime-inspired environment and the engaging conversations with staff.
1837 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Hours on shop pagePiercing Services · Cover-Up Tattoos · Custom Tattoo DesignsBig Trouble Tattoo
4.9(75)Located in San Diego, CA, Big Trouble Tattoo boasts a strong rating of 4.9 stars from 75 reviews. The shop welcomes walk-ins and offers both flash tattoos and custom designs. Reviewers mention a variety of inspiring artwork throughout the space and praise the welcoming atmosphere created by the friendly staff.
4020 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Hours on shop pageWalk-ins Welcome · Flash Tattoos Available · Custom Tattoo DesignsCrybaby Tattoo
4.9(73)Located in San Diego, CA, Crybaby Tattoo boasts a remarkable 4.9-star rating from 73 reviews. Walk-ins are welcome, with a variety of flash tattoos available and custom designs offered. Reviewers mention a welcoming atmosphere and highlight the friendly staff who create a comfortable experience.
4375 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Hours on shop pageWalk-ins Welcome · Flash Tattoos Available · Custom Tattoo DesignsLocated in San Diego, CA, So Amazing Tattoo and Piercing boasts a remarkable 4.9-star rating across 63 reviews. This shop offers a variety of services including custom tattoo designs, piercing services, and aftercare products. Reviewers mention a clean environment and praise the artists for their clear communication and care instructions.
6602 El Cajon Blvd C, San Diego, CA 92115, USA
Hours on shop pageAftercare Products · Walk-ins Welcome · Piercing ServicesRemington Tattoo Parlor
4.8(179)Located in San Diego, CA, Remington Tattoo Parlor boasts a stellar 4.8-star rating from 179 reviews. Specializing in cover-up tattoos, custom tattoo designs, and realism/portrait work, reviewers frequently praise the talented artists and the unique, personalized designs they create. Customers express appreciation for the welcoming atmosphere and the artists' ability to turn their ideas into stunning works of art.
3009 Myrtle Ave, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Hours on shop pageRealism / Portrait · Cover-Up Tattoos · Custom Tattoo DesignsEden Tattoo Gallery
4.8(156)Located in San Diego, CA, Eden Tattoo Gallery boasts a 4.8-star rating across 156 reviews. Walk-ins are welcome, and customers can enjoy custom tattoo designs with the convenience of online booking. Reviewers mention the artists' remarkable ability to bring their visions to life and their exceptional customer service throughout the tattooing process.
3001 Madison Ave, San Diego, CA 92116, USA
Hours on shop pageWalk-ins Welcome · Custom Tattoo Designs · Online BookingAxiom Tattoo
4.8(127)Located in San Diego, CA, Axiom Tattoo boasts a strong 4.8-star rating from 127 reviews. They specialize in custom tattoo designs and offer convenient parking. Reviewers mention a friendly atmosphere and artists who are attentive and accommodating to their clients' needs.
4475 Gresham St, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Hours on shop pageCustom Tattoo Designs · Parking AvailableSeven Seas Tattoo
4.8(112)Located in San Diego, CA, Seven Seas Tattoo boasts an impressive rating of 4.8 stars from 112 reviews. The shop welcomes walk-ins and specializes in custom tattoo designs and American Traditional styles. Reviewers mention the friendly atmosphere and highlight the artists for their talented work, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.
900 F St #129, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Hours on shop pageAmerican Traditional · Walk-ins Welcome · Custom Tattoo DesignsAvalon Tattoo II
4.8(95)Located in San Diego, CA, Avalon Tattoo II has earned an impressive 4.8-star rating from 95 reviews. This shop welcomes walk-ins and specializes in custom tattoo designs. Reviewers mention the friendly atmosphere and the artists' ability to bring unique ideas to life, creating stunning tattoos that exceed expectations.
3039 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116, USA
Hours on shop pageWalk-ins Welcome · Custom Tattoo DesignsChronic Tattoo
4.7(98)Chronic Tattoo, located in San Diego, CA, boasts a 4.7-star rating from 98 reviews. Customers appreciate the welcoming atmosphere for walk-ins, as well as the piercing services and custom tattoo designs offered. Reviewers mention the friendly artists and their attention to detail, creating a positive environment for both tattoos and piercings.
1253 Garnet Ave A, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Hours on shop pageWalk-ins Welcome · Piercing Services · Custom Tattoo DesignsVivid Tattoo
4.7(103)Located in San Diego, CA, Vivid Tattoo boasts a 4.7-star rating from 103 reviews. Offering custom tattoo designs and piercing services, this shop is praised for its welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff. Reviewers mention the friendly environment and the artists' willingness to listen to clients' ideas.
449 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
Hours on shop pagePiercing Services · Custom Tattoo DesignsFlying Panther Tattoo
4.7(136)Located in San Diego, CA, Flying Panther Tattoo boasts a solid rating of 4.7 stars from 136 reviews. They offer a range of services, including flash tattoos and custom designs, while actively fostering an LGBTQ+ friendly environment. Reviewers mention a welcoming atmosphere and the studio's commitment to listening to clients’ needs, highlighting the dedication to creating meaningful artwork.
2323 Broadway STE# 107, San Diego, CA 92102, USA
Hours on shop pageFlash Tattoos Available · Custom Tattoo Designs · LGBTQ+ FriendlyNorth Park Tattoo Parlour
4.6(64)Located in San Diego, CA, North Park Tattoo Parlour boasts a 4.6-star rating from 64 reviews. Walk-ins are welcome, and the shop offers flash tattoos, custom designs, and American traditional styles. Reviewers mention the laid-back atmosphere and the talented artists, highlighting the welcoming vibe and excellent customer service.
2913 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Hours on shop pageAmerican Traditional · Walk-ins Welcome · Flash Tattoos AvailableAbsolute Tattoo and Piercing Co
4.7(212)Located in San Diego, CA, Absolute Tattoo and Piercing Co boasts a rating of 4.7 stars from 212 reviews. This shop welcomes walk-ins and specializes in piercing services. Reviewers mention the welcoming atmosphere and praise the staff for their thorough explanations and attention to detail during the piercing process.
8055 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
Hours on shop pageWalk-ins Welcome · Piercing ServicesHigh Class Tattoo SD
4.6(138)Located in San Diego, CA, High Class Tattoo SD boasts a solid 4.6-star rating across 138 reviews. The shop offers a variety of services, including custom tattoo designs and piercing services. Reviewers mention a welcoming environment and the ability to create unique designs tailored to individual preferences.
3166 Midway Dr Unit 101, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
Hours on shop pageScript / Lettering · Piercing Services · Custom Tattoo DesignsMetropolis Tattoo & Piercing
4.6(141)Located in San Diego, CA, Metropolis Tattoo & Piercing boasts a 4.6-star rating from 141 reviews. This shop welcomes walk-ins and offers piercing services, cover-up tattoos, and custom designs in various styles including American Traditional and Realism. Reviewers mention the friendly atmosphere and the accommodating staff, praising their attentive nature during appointments.
2828 University Ave Suite 104, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Hours on shop pageAmerican Traditional · Japanese / Irezumi · Black & GreyNothing Sacred Tattoo
4.6(169)Located in San Diego, CA, Nothing Sacred Tattoo boasts a rating of 4.6 stars across 169 reviews. The shop welcomes walk-ins and specializes in custom tattoo designs, fine line, and black & grey work. Reviewers mention the friendly atmosphere and the artists' ability to create meaningful tattoos with care and attention to detail.
311 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Hours on shop pageFine Line · Black & Grey · Walk-ins WelcomeSuperfly Tattoo & Body Piercing
4.4(160)Located in San Diego, CA, Superfly Tattoo & Body Piercing has garnered a rating of 4.4 stars from 160 reviews. This shop offers a range of services, including custom tattoo designs, piercing services, and aftercare products. Reviewers mention the friendly atmosphere and outstanding customer service provided by artists like Puck and Gabe, making it a welcoming choice for both first-timers and experienced clients.
1055 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Hours on shop pageAmerican Traditional · Japanese / Irezumi · Aftercare ProductsFinest Tattoo
3.9(205)Finest Tattoo, located in San Diego, CA, boasts a rating of 3.9 stars across 205 reviews. The shop offers a variety of services, including custom tattoo designs, piercing services, and flash tattoos. Reviewers mention the exceptional quality of the artwork and the welcoming atmosphere created by the artists, particularly praising Kyla for her ability to translate ideas into meaningful tattoos.
861 Hornblend St, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Hours on shop pageAmerican Traditional · Script / Lettering · Fine Line
Order is by a Bayesian-adjusted rating: each shop's Google rating is pulled toward the directory average in proportion to how few reviews back it, so a 5.0 from six reviews does not outrank a 4.9 from eight hundred. The stars shown are the raw Google rating and review count.
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Field notes
What locals say about San Diego tattoo shops
Pulled from Google reviews of the top-rated shops in San Diego.
“Was visiting San Diego for the first time in a MINUTE and had some free time while everyone was working and found this shop through social media (TikTok/Instagram) and decided to try my luck as a walk in. The vibes were immaculate all across the board and time flew by while I was getting my piece done! Mikey was my artist (awesome handiwork and super chill), and the same could be said for everyone that was working at the time! I will definitely do my best to come back and bother them some more next time I’m in town or get my friends to get some ink for me. 20/10 !!!”
“I had an idea for a tattoo for a few years but kept putting it off for one reason or another. I recently sketched it and decided to walk in to Above All Tattoo based on reviews I saw online and a buddy of mine that had work done by Waffles. I saw Waffles at the shop, and I showed and explained my idea to him. I brought him something without too much detail in hopes that he, as the artist, would develop it into something dope. He did. He put ink to paper, consulted me, refined a thing or two, and less than an hour after walking in, I was in the chair getting a tattoo than I’m happy to have. I’m very glad I made the decision to walk in and see what’s up.”
“I came in with my friend and we both had some questions we wanted to ask before deciding if we wanted the piercing. Danny was super helpful with all of that and was very kind!! I would highly recommend this shop”
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