If you are either a tourist or a local looking for the best piercing shops in San Diego, CA, you will not be disappointed because San Diego is one of the most major cities in California, and there is no shortage of the top-rated piercing shops that are open right now. Below is a comprehensive list of the top 7 piercing shops in San Diego to aid you in your search.
List of San Diego’s 7 Best-Rated Piercing Places
Table of Contents
1. 101 Piercing

USP | Professional Piercing, High-Quality Jewelry, Free Shipping on Domestic Orders |
PRODUCT/SERVICES |
Daith/Tragus Piercing, Septum, Bridge, Surface and, Anchor Piercing, Ear Lobe (single) Piercing, Helix/Conch Piercing, Eyebrow Piercing, Forward Helix Piercing, Navel/Nipple Piercing, Nostril Piercing, Rook Piercing, Ear Lobes(pair) Piercing, Bar Piercing, Genital Piercing, Ear Lobes Tandem Piercing, Piercing for Infant
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OPERATIONAL HOURS | Friday to Monday: 12 pm to 6 pm Tuesday to Thursday: Closed |
ADDRESS | 1114 N Coast Highway 101 Suite 12, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States |
PHONE | 760-942-0101 |
101piercing@gmail.com | |
WEBSITE | https://www.101piercing.com/ |
Bradlee, the owner of 101 Piercing, opened this shop after 10 years of experience dealing with excellent quality piercings in Encinitas, California. 101 Piercing offers high-quality piercings, and the company’s goal is to provide its customers an exclusive and aesthetically pleasing experience. The environment is sterile and family-friendly to put their customers at ease. Additionally, the business only stocks the best body jewelry available in the market and administers single-use needles only to ensure the safest piercings possible.
101 piercing only allows walk-ins, and it is co-run by owners who take pleasure in maintaining quality and hygiene, service quality, and precision, making it one of the best piercing shops in San Diego. For identification, 101 Piercing follows the guidelines issued by the California Department of Health. Both minors and adults require a state or federal-issued ID. They provide piercing services to individuals of all ages, but children between 0-10 years can avail of their services through appointment only.
“If I could, I would rate this establishment 6/5 stars because it is one of the best piercing places by me. Bradlee did an excellent job piercing my cartilage. He demonstrated exceptional expertise, compassion, and patience. There were so many lovely alternatives to choose from that I couldn’t decide, but he helped me choose the right one. All of it was hygienic and clean. I will certainly return for future piercings.”
2. Enigma Professional Piercing

USP | Autoclave Sterilization |
PRODUCT/SERVICES |
Earlobe Piercing, Helix, Double Helix, and Forward Helix Piercing, Conch and Tragus Piercing, Rook Piercing, Daith Piercing, Flat Piercing, Industrial Piercing, Children’s Earlobe Piercing, Navel & Nipple Piercing, Surface Piercing, Anchor Piercing, Genital & Eyebrow Piercing, Bridge &Septum Piercing, Nostril& High Nostril Piercing, Jewelry Change/Install, Follow Up/Downsize/Troubleshooting, Aftercare, Webstore
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OPERATIONAL HOURS | Monday to Sunday: 12 pm to 8 pm |
ADDRESS | North Park 3041 Adams Ave San Diego, CA 92116, United States Pacific Beach 1972 Garnet Ave San Diego, CA 92109, United States |
PHONE | Adam’s Avenue: 619-516-4343
Pacific Beach: |
enigmapiercing@gmail.com | |
WEBSITE | https://www.enigmapiercing.co/ |
Enigma Professional Piercing was first established in 2001 by Didier Suarez, a famous body piercing professional who is the former vice president and a member of the Association of Professional Piercers. They excel in body piercings and only sell the best quality designer jewelry pieces. All their jewelry pieces are made of implant-grade titanium and solid gold, and they are regularly tested for their biocompatibility. An independent laboratory has validated the jewelry that Enigma Professional Piercing offers for conformity with human implant standards, ensuring that it is safe to wear in a fresh or healed piercing.
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When it comes to their goods and sterilizing processes, they always prioritize their customer’s safety. Additionally, all the items that come in contact with their customers are sterilized through Autoclave Sterilization, ensuring the safest piercings. For piercings at Enigma Professional Piercing, valid ID proofs are a must, and minors need to be accompanied by a legal guardian or a parent. The piercing studio performs only earlobe piercings on children of or above 8 years. For all other piercings, the minimum age requirement is 14 years.
“I was looking for piercing shops around me, and I happened to chance on this store. It has provided me with excellent service. Lou was the piercing expert who worked with me, and he did an excellent job with my aesthetic piercings. The staff is charming and helpful. They also provide a wide selection of jewelry to pick from. I will definitely return for all of my piercing needs. Thank you, Enigma and Lou.”
3. Apogee Body Piercing

USP. | Longest established Professional Body Piercing Studio |
PRODUCT/SERVICES | Earlobe, Nostril, Septum, Lip& Tongue Piercing, Paired Nostril Piercing, Gauge Piercing, Vertical Labret Piercing, Helix, Forward Helix, Conch& Tragus Piercing, Earlobe Stretching, Children’s Earlobe Piercing, Rook/Faux Rook Piercing, Flat, Industrial, Surface &Daith Piercing, Navel, Bridge, Eyebrow, Genital &Nipple Piercing, Pair or Multiple Piercing, Surface Anchor Service, Insert/Change/Removal of Jewelry, Troubleshoot, Aftercare, Appointment, Shop |
OPERATIONAL HOURS | Monday to Saturday: 11 am to 8 pm Sunday: 11 am to 6 pm |
ADDRESS | 4985 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107, United States |
PHONE | 619-223-1771 |
info@apogeepiericng.com | |
WEBSITE | http://apogeepiercing.com/ |
First founded in 1994, Apogee Body Piercing Studio is one of the oldest established piercing shops in San Diego that are open currently. They employ only the very best and the most modern technologies so that physical change in their customer’s bodies can be facilitated in the safest manner. It is one of the best local piercing places in San Diego. Apogee Body Piercing uses implant-grade materials, and they offer a wide range of prices for the convenience of their customers.
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The basic price they charge for titanium jewelry is $36 per piece, and all their gold jewelry is either 14 or 18 karats, starting from $95. They extend their services to kids, and children who are 6 years old or older can avail of the services of the Apogee Body Piercing Studio. To get the piercings done by this San Diego piercing studio, customers must carry a physical copy of their state or government-issued photo ID proof. The shop requires minors to be accompanied by a legal guardian or a parent.
“This is an A-plus store and was one of the best piercing places nearby. Evan and Peck were fantastic. They responded to all of my queries and made me feel entirely at ease. They exclusively sell high-quality jewelry from the best American body jewelry manufacturers. This is the place to go when you are in San Diego. I will recommend Apogee Body Piercing to everyone!”
4. Absolute Tattoo and Piercing Co

USP. | Electric Tattoo Shop |
PRODUCT/SERVICES | Dermal Anchor Piercing, Belly/Navel Piercing, Nostril/Nose Piercing, Septum/Tongue/Lip Piercing, Nipple Piercing, Smiley/Labret/Medusa Piercing, Snake Bites Piercing, Eyebrow/Ear Lobe Piercing, Cartilage Piercing, Helix/Triple Helix Piercing, Industrial/Conch/Rook/Tragus/Daith Piercing, Barbell, Nose Screw, Navel Jewelry, 16g to 18g Hoop/C.B.R., 16g Flatback |
OPERATIONAL HOURS | Monday to Sunday: 11 am to 7 pm |
ADDRESS | 8055 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard #106, San Diego, CA 92111, United States |
PHONE | 858-715-8288 |
roxy@absolutetattoo.com | |
WEBSITE | https://absolutetattoo.com/ |
First established in 1998, Absolute Tattoo and Piercing Co. provide professional piercing and tattooing services in San Diego, California. They offer a clean and private setting for their customers and use well-sterilized equipment to ensure maximum safety. Four tattoo professionals are running the parlor, and the shop has over 80 years of combined experience.
Absolute Tattoo and Piercing Co. is one of the best piercing places in San Diego, and they accept piercing requests by appointment only between Monday to Thursday. Customers can also avail themselves of their services (that includes nose piercing in San Diego) through walk-in between Friday and Sunday. Customers need to carry a valid ID proof issued either by the state or federal governments, and minors below 18 need to be accompanied by either a parent or a legal guardian.
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5. Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing

USP | All Professionals Certified in Blood Borne Pathogen Prevention and Control |
PRODUCT/SERVICES | Earlobe Piercing, Helix/Pinna Piercing, Rook/Daith/Conch/Tragus/Industrial Piercing, Snug/Anti-Tragus Piercing, Forward Helix Piercing, Nostrils/High Nostrils Piercing, Bridge/Cheek/Facial dermal Piercing, Septum Piercing, Eyebrow/Anti-brow Piercing, Tongue/Lip Piercing, Smiley/Frownie Piercing, Inverse Verticle Labret Piercing, Nipple/Navel/Anti-Navel/Genital Piercing, Dermal Piercing |
OPERATIONAL HOURS | Sunday to Thursday: 12 pm to 10 pm Friday to Saturday: 12 pm to 12 am |
ADDRESS | 1062 Garnet Ave., San Diego, CA 92109, United States |
PHONE | 858-274-8282 |
sideshowtattoosd@gmail.com | |
WEBSITE | https://sideshowtattooandpiercing.com/ |
First established in 2009, Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing maintains the highest standards in piercing and body jewelry, making it one of the highest-rated piercing shops in San Diego. Their body piercer does 20 piercings per day. Customers can choose between the wide range of jewelry options they provide, ranging from custom jewelry to silver, diamonds, gold, opals, titanium, and 3/16 Surgical stainless steel.
All of their artists are provided with in-house training to maintain and exceed the minimum industry standards. Additionally, all their artists have certification in Blood Borne pathogen Prevention and Control to ensure maximum safety regarding piercing and tattooing. Customer satisfaction is their priority, and they invest a lot of time ensuring that their customers get the best possible treatment. The business also welcomes walk-ins, and they are also large group friendly.
6. WyldeSydes Tattoo & Body Piercing

USP | Piercings by Debbie, A Retired L.V.N. With Over 19 Years Experience |
PRODUCT/SERVICES | Tongue/Nipple/Nose/Belly Button/Eyebrow Piercing, Snakebite/Spiderbites Piercing, Lip/Labret/Monroe/Vertical Lip Piercing, Ashley Piercing, Single Ear Piercing, Septum/Industrial/Microdermal Piercing, Microdermal Implant Removal, Daith/Orbital/Rook/Conch/Tragus Piercing |
OPERATIONAL HOURS | Store Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10 am to 7 pm Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm Mondays: Closed Piercing Hours: 12 pm to 5:30 pm |
ADDRESS | 1515 Palm Ave, Suite K1, San Diego, CA 92154, United States |
PHONE | 619-575-6792 |
wyldesydes@gmail.com | |
WEBSITE | https://www.wyldesydestattoo.com/ |
WyldeSydes Tattoo & Body Piercing first opened its doors to the public in 1999 and has been providing its clients with the best quality of both tattoos and piercings ever since. The business is entirely airconditioned and provides its customers the comfort they deserve, making them one of the good piercing places in San Diego. Their artists, too, are highly professional and are adept at the art of piercing.
Piercings are available on a walk-in basis between 12 pm to 5:30 pm. All of their piercings are done by Debbie, a piercing artist in San Diego and a retired LVN with over 19 years of experience. Customers must be over 18 years of age with valid photo ID proof, and minors need to be accompanied by either their parent or a court appointed legal guardian. The shop also offers free wifi with purchase.
7. Church of Steel

USP | Free Consultations, along with Special Military and Student Discounts |
PRODUCT/SERVICES | Bridge/Septum Piercing, Nostrils/Eyebrows/Tongue / Lip Piercing, Labret/Cheeks/Nipples/Navel Piercing, Male and Female Genital Piercings, Ear Piercing |
OPERATIONAL HOURS | Thursday to Sunday: 12 pm to 9 pm Monday to Wednesday: Closed |
ADDRESS | 1433 University Ave., Ste. A San Diego, CA 92103, United States |
PHONE | 619-232-5752 |
churchofsteel@hotmail.com | |
WEBSITE | https://www.churchofsteel.com/ |
One of the best tattoo and piercing shops in San Diego, Church of Steel, was founded in 2000 and is an expert in piercing using high-quality technology and materials. It is among the 5-star piercing shops in San Diego, and its piercing professionals have over 35 years of experience. The business is a member of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP), and they use high-grade surgical steel internally threaded jewelry to ensure maximum safety.
Additionally, to guarantee maximum customer satisfaction, they ensure the healing of new piercings by providing their customers with verbal and written care instructions. Checkups at Church of Steel are always free, and their customers have full access to them anytime they need anything. They also have an autoclave that they spore-test monthly to ensure that it is working perfectly. All their equipment is sterile or single-use, and their business is health department approved. Church of Steel welcomes piercing walk-insand appointments.