Looking for the best tattoo shop San Diego has to offer? Golden Child Tattoo in Escondido delivers an elevated tattoo in North County, San Diego. We specialize in a full range of tattoo styles, from fine line and Chicano to Japanese traditional and blackwork. Walk-ins are welcome daily, and appointments can be booked online or over the phone.
5000+ clients
We provide almost every type of tattoo you can imagine:
We use only the finest inks and equipment and adhere to the highest standards of hygiene, safety, and quality tattoo.
Our custom tattoos are tailored to your specific ideas and preferences. Our skilled artists work with you to create a unique piece that reflects your vision. From intricate portraits to vibrant color bombs, we cover a wide range of styles and techniques to ensure your tattoo is one-of-a-kind.
Interesting in a custom tattoo? Explore our tattoo artists and the tattoo styles we specialize in below.
5000+ clients
Award-winning artists with decades of collective experience
Start with a conversation about your vision, placement, and desired tattoo style. Our experienced artists will guide you through options and next steps.
Your artist will create a fully custom tattoo design tailored to your concept, body placement, and artistic preferences.
After confirming placement and final details, your tattoo session begins in a clean, professional, and comfortable setting.
You’ll leave with personalized aftercare instructions to support proper healing, vibrant color retention, and lasting linework. Our team is always available to answer follow-up questions.
At Golden Child, we specialize in a wide array of tattoo styles, ensuring we cater to every artistic preference. From the bold and timeless American Traditional and the lifelike details of Realism to the elegant lines of Fine Line tattoos and the expressive art of Neotraditional, our skilled artists master both classic and contemporary techniques. Explore our diverse styles and their rich histories to find the perfect match for your next piece on our Tattoo Styles page.
5000+ clients
At Golden Child, we offer an exceptional selection of flash and “Get What You Get” (GWYG) tattoos, catering to all tastes and preferences. Our flash tattoos feature hundreds of unique designs available for immediate selection, ensuring you find the perfect piece. For those seeking an adventurous experience, our GWYG tattoos provide a fun and spontaneous way to get inked, with over 200 designs available in both color and black and gray.
Explore our flash tattoos for ready-to-go designs or discover the excitement of our GWYG tattoos for a unique tattoo experience. Visit us to see the full range or view individual artist portfolios online to find your perfect tattoo match.
5000+ clients
We are dedicated to making high-quality tattoo art accessible to everyone in the San Diego area. Our goal is to help you feel more comfortable and powerful in your skin by offering exceptional tattoos at affordable rates. We provide a range of special deals to ensure that anyone can experience the artistry and precision of our talented team.
Explore our tattoo specials & deals for exclusive offers, including our online special for $30 off any Get What You Get (GWYG) or flash tattoo when you mention the online special, and an additional $30 off any GWYG tattoo from Monday through Thursday. Don’t miss out on these great deals and visit us today to take advantage of these offers.
🔍 Click a piece for artist name + portfolio & booking links. Explore the full set here.
5000+ clients
At Golden Child, we understand the importance of matching you with the right artist to bring your vision to life. Our team comprises diverse artists, each specializing in various styles. And we’ve made it easy to help you find the perfect artist to realize your vision.
Here are the ways to explore our team’s creative talents:
Absolutely. Our artists are experienced in working with all skin tones and are adept at tailoring designs to complement and highlight individual skin characteristics. We take pride in creating tattoos that are vibrant and meaningful for every client.
Tattoo healing times can vary based on the size and location of the tattoo, as well as individual healing rates. Generally, the surface of the skin heals within 2-3 weeks, but complete healing can take up to 6 weeks. Following our aftercare instructions will help promote optimal healing and start that art on it’s journey toward looking beautiful for a lifetime.
Pain perception varies among individuals and depends on the tattoo’s placement and size. While some discomfort is expected, many clients find the experience manageable. We do offer numbing options for certain procedures or as needed; please discuss this with your artist during the consultation to determine the best approach for you.
And if you’d like to ask for numbing solutions during your tattoo, please don’t hesitate to speak up. We want you to have the best tattoo experiences of your life with us. That requires personalized care as well as creative trust. You can count on us to take care of you!
Tattoo pricing in San Diego varies based on the design, size, placement, and the artist’s experience. At Golden Child, small tattoos typically start around $100–$150, while larger custom pieces are quoted individually either by the hour or by the project. We believe in transparent pricing and will always walk you through cost estimates during your consultation.
Yes, we welcome clients to bring their own designs. Our artists will work with you to adapt your design as needed to ensure it translates well into a tattoo and aligns with your vision.
Absolutely. Our artists specialize in creating custom designs tailored to each client’s ideas and preferences. We encourage you to share your concepts during a consultation, and we’ll collaborate to craft a unique piece that reflects your vision.
To prepare for your tattoo appointment, we recommend getting a good night’s sleep, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced meal beforehand. Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications prior to your session. Be sure to wear clothing that you will both be comfortable in and that allows easy access to the tattoo area.
Proper aftercare is crucial for healing. We advise keeping the tattoo clean and moisturized, avoiding direct sunlight, and refraining from submerging the tattoo in water until fully healed. We offer a selection of aftercare products at our shop to support your healing process.
Golden Child Tattoo has been voted one of the best tattoo shops in San Diego thanks to our exceptional tattoo artistry, sterile environment, and renowned team of talented artists. Whether you’re getting your first tattoo or adding to your collection, we provide the best tattoo experience in Southern California—serving tattoo enthusiasts from Mission Hills to Carlsbad and beyond.
Our team includes some of the most skilled tattoo artists in San Diego, each with their own specialties—from traditional tattoos and fine line work to color realism and custom illustrative pieces. During your consultation, we’ll match you with the artist best suited for your vision, whether your next tattoo is big or small.
Our tattoo parlor is nestled in a beautifully designed suite in downtown Escondido—just a short drive from San Diego, Carlsbad, and Encinitas. We’re centrally located for anyone searching for a trusted San Diego tattoo shop near landmarks like Queen Califia’s Magical Circle and California Center for the Arts.
We Are Currently:
Open
Our Hours:
Mon
12 pm - 7 pm
Tue
12 pm - 7 pm
Wed
12 pm - 7 pm
Thu
12 pm - 7 pm
Fri
12 pm - 7 pm
Sat
12 pm - 8 pm
Sun
12 pm - 6 pm
Stop In!
We’re at 505 W. Washington Ave in Escondido, CA, 30 minutes from downtown San Diego:
Know who you want to work with? Or have questions for one of the piercing artists before you decide?
While you can call or submit the form here and we’ll get you squared away promptly, you can also connect directly with a piercer.
Below are their details. Note: please text them before calling.
