San Diego's nail salons spread out across the city, so this list covers Downtown, Little Italy, Hillcrest, Bankers Hill, North Park, Normal Heights, Clairemont, Pacific Beach and Mission Valley. You will find detail-focused studios for Russian manicures, builder gel and hand-painted art, along with walk-in friendly spas for Gel-X, acrylic and dip. Two picks sit on Adams Avenue in Normal Heights, and several have open hours seven days a week.
We checked each salon on its own website or booking page in October 2026. You will find the address, phone, posted hours, main services and a booking link for every pick, so you can compare and book in a few minutes.
☰ Jump to a salon12 salons
1. Pinkies Parlor
Why we picked it: This downtown studio books long appointments with careful cuticle work, and its nail art menu runs in three tiers up to hand-painted 3D designs. Pedicures here are waterless.
Starting prices: Gel polish manicure from $60; Gel-X from $90
- Address
- 427 C Street, Suite 308, San Diego, CA 92101
- Phone
- (865) 340-1984
- Hours
- Tue to Sat 10am to 6:30pm, Sun and Mon closed
2. Nailoscope
Why we picked it: Nailoscope builds its menu around Russian manicures with close cuticle work, plus custom nail art and color consultations. Licensed estheticians on staff also handle facials.
- Address
- 4592 Clairemont Dr #110, San Diego, CA 92117
- Phone
- (858) 352-6514
- Hours
- Check the salon website for current hours
3. Kalì Zoì Nail Salon
Why we picked it: This Adams Avenue salon also runs a plant store and focuses on nail services that avoid damage to the natural nail. You can book Gel-X, CND Shellac or a waterless pedicure.
- Address
- 2829 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
- Phone
- (619) 362-6713
- Hours
- Check the salon website for current hours
4. Pro Nails Lounge & Spa
Why we picked it: Pro Nails on Garnet Avenue covers builder gel, Gel-X, acrylic, hard gel, dip and polygel, so you can pick the extension method you prefer. It takes walk-ins and online bookings.
Starting prices: Builder gel from $55; Gel-X from $68
- Address
- 2265 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
- Phone
- (858) 273-0939
- Hours
- Mon to Fri 9:30am to 7pm, Sat 9:30am to 6pm, Sun 10am to 5pm
5. Italy Nails & Spa
Why we picked it: Italy Nails & Spa names its signature manicures and pedicures after Italian themes, including a jelly pedicure. The menu also covers Gel-X, acrylics, dip and custom art, plus facials and waxing.
Starting prices: Stay at Rome Manicure from $49; Gel-X from $65
- Address
- 1970 Columbia Street, Suite B, San Diego, CA 92101
- Phone
- (619) 764-5321
- Hours
- Mon to Fri 10am to 7pm, Sat 10am to 6pm, Sun 10am to 5pm
6. iNailology Spa & Bar
Why we picked it: iNailology pairs nail services with a drink bar, and your appointment includes a complimentary drink. It also offers lash extensions and bridal makeup if you are getting ready for an event.
- Address
- 3076 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103
- Phone
- (619) 706-8273
- Hours
- Check the salon website for current hours
Try the free Nail Color Matcher
See which polish colors suit your skin tone. Free, no sign-up.
7. Pink & White Nail and Spa
Why we picked it: This North Park salon hosts nail parties for groups and offers same-day appointments by phone or message. The menu includes services for kids and men.
- Address
- 2960 North Park Way, San Diego, CA 92104
- Phone
- (619) 550-5830
- Hours
- Mon to Fri 9am to 7pm, Sat 9am to 6pm, Sun 10am to 6pm
8. The Hub Nails Lounge
Why we picked it: The Hub sits on University Avenue in Hillcrest and stays open until 7:30pm six days a week. You can add massage, waxing, tinting or skin care to a mani-pedi visit.
- Address
- 1020 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
- Phone
- (619) 293-7950
- Hours
- Mon to Sat 9am to 7:30pm, Sun 10am to 6:30pm
9. Blush Hour Nails & Spa
Why we picked it: Blush Hour posts clear prices, with a gel manicure at $44 and an acrylic full set at $58. It covers builder gel, Gel-X and dip, and it offers kids services.
Starting prices: Gel manicure from $44; Acrylic full set from $58
- Address
- 5635 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92111
- Phone
- (858) 565-6666
- Hours
- Mon to Fri 9am to 7pm, Sat 9am to 6pm, Sun 10am to 5pm
10. San Diego Nail Lounge
Why we picked it: This Hazard Center salon backs its gel polish and nail enhancements with a 10-day warranty. You can book online through Vagaro.
- Address
- 7710 Hazard Center Dr STE C, San Diego, CA 92108
- Phone
- (619) 955-8877
- Hours
- Mon to Thu 9:30am to 7:30pm, Fri and Sat 9am to 7pm, Sun 10am to 5:30pm
11. Twinkle Nails & Spa
Why we picked it: Twinkle is a straightforward neighborhood salon for manicures, pedicures, acrylics and nail art designs. It is open seven days and takes online bookings.
- Address
- 3223 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
- Phone
- (619) 281-6169
- Hours
- Mon to Fri 9am to 7pm, Sat 9am to 6pm, Sun 10am to 5pm
12. KAI NAILS & SPA
Why we picked it: KAI covers manicures, pedicures, acrylic and builder gel, with a separate menu for young kids. It is open every day, including Sunday afternoons.
- Address
- 3550 Rosecrans Street #B, San Diego, CA 92110
- Phone
- (619) 222-9918
- Hours
- Mon to Fri 9am to 7pm, Sat 9am to 6:30pm, Sun 10am to 5pm
San Diego nail salons at a glance
| Salon | Area | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Pinkies Parlor | Downtown | Detailed prep and tiered nail art |
| Nailoscope | Clairemont | Russian manicures, precise cuticle work |
| Kalì Zoì Nail Salon | Normal Heights | Non-damaging nails, plant shop |
| Pro Nails Lounge & Spa | Pacific Beach | Every extension type, walk-ins |
| Italy Nails & Spa | Little Italy | Themed spa pedicures, Gel-X |
| iNailology Spa & Bar | Bankers Hill | Nails with complimentary drinks |
| Pink & White Nail and Spa | North Park | Group nail parties, same-day slots |
| The Hub Nails Lounge | Hillcrest | Nails plus massage and waxing |
| Blush Hour Nails & Spa | – | Fair prices, full enhancement menu |
| San Diego Nail Lounge | Mission Valley | 10-day warranty on gel |
| Twinkle Nails & Spa | Normal Heights | Neighborhood mani-pedis on Adams Avenue |
| KAI NAILS & SPA | – | Family-friendly nails on Rosecrans |
What a manicure costs at these San Diego salons
| Salon | Service | Starting price |
|---|---|---|
| Pinkies Parlor | Gel polish manicure | $60 |
| Pro Nails Lounge & Spa | Builder gel | $55 |
| Italy Nails & Spa | Stay at Rome Manicure | $49 |
| Blush Hour Nails & Spa | Gel manicure | $44 |
Starting prices from each salon’s own menu, checked October 2026. Prices change, so confirm when you book.
Tips before you book
- If you get gel often, give your nails a short break now and then. The free Nail Health Checker helps if they feel weak or peel.
- Metal tools should come out of a sealed pouch, and files and buffers should be new for each client.
- Book ahead for Friday evenings and weekends. Walk-in spots fill fast at popular salons.
- Ask what brand of gel or polish they use if you have sensitive skin or want a longer-lasting finish.
Own a nail salon in San Diego?
Want your salon featured in this guide? Get in touch and tell us about it.
More salon guides
- Best nail salons in Los Angeles
- Best nail salons in San Jose
- Best nail salons in San Francisco
- Best nail salons in Fresno
- All nail salon guides for California
- Nail salon guides for every state
Salon details were checked on each salon’s own website or booking page in October 2026. Hours and prices can change, so call or check online before you go. Spot something out of date? Email contact@nailstyleguide.com.
