Tattoo Shop in Hillcrest, San Diego
Broken Heart Tattoo is on 6th Avenue in the middle of Hillcrest - 3704 6th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103. Open seven days a week from 12pm to 10pm, with walk-ins welcome and free 15-minute consultations.
Why our studio is in Hillcrest
Hillcrest is the most walkable, most mixed, most creative square mile in San Diego, and it has been the centre of the city’s tattoo culture for decades. We are on 6th Ave between Robinson and Pennsylvania, which puts us two blocks from the University Ave strip, a few minutes from Balboa Park, and within walking distance of Bankers Hill, Mission Hills, University Heights and North Park.
That location matters if you are getting something big. A full sleeve or a back piece is multiple sessions over multiple weeks - you want a studio you can actually get to, at a time that suits you, without crossing the whole county. Being open 12pm to 10pm seven days a week means you can come after work, on a Sunday, or on a whim when you finally commit to the idea.
If you are searching for a tattoo shop in Hillcrest, a tattoo studio near University Ave, or a tattoo artist near Balboa Park, you are already in our service area. Walk in and talk to whoever is free.
Address, hours and getting here
- Address 3704 6th Ave
San Diego, CA 92103
Open in Google Maps → - Hours
Monday – Sunday
12:00pm – 10:00pm
Open 7 days a week, including weekends - Phone (619) 237-0058
- Email brokenhearttattoo.CS@gmail.com
- Neighbourhood Hillcrest · ZIP 92103
- Walk-ins Welcome daily, subject to artist availability
- Payment Cash · Credit Card · Zelle
- Access Step-free ground-floor entrance on 6th Ave
How to get to the studio
Whichever direction you are coming from, 6th Ave is the easy way in.
Driving from the north (La Jolla, North County)
Take I-5 South to the 10th Ave exit, continue to 6th Ave, then head north to 3704 6th Ave. Alternatively, take the 163 South and exit at University Ave, then turn west and left onto 6th Ave.
Driving from the south (Chula Vista, National City)
Take I-5 North to the B St / Downtown exit, follow 6th Ave north through Bankers Hill, and continue into Hillcrest. The studio is on the west side of 6th Ave just north of Pennsylvania Ave.
From North Park, University Heights & South Park
Head west on University Ave, turn left onto 6th Ave, and look for 3704 on your left. It is roughly a 5–8 minute drive from most of North Park.
Transit & walking
MTS routes along University Ave and 6th Ave stop within two blocks. If you are already in Hillcrest, Bankers Hill or Balboa Park, walking is the fastest option - the studio is right on the Hillcrest ↔ Balboa Park corridor.
Where to park near 3704 6th Ave
- Metered street parking on 6th Ave, Robinson Ave and Pennsylvania Ave - usually easiest before 4pm and after 7pm.
- Paid lots on University Ave within one to two blocks of the studio.
- Free residential parking a few blocks north on 6th Ave and 7th Ave, if you don’t mind a short walk.
- Best time to arrive: weekday evenings after 6pm, or any time on Sunday - the neighbourhood empties out and spaces open up.
If you are coming for a long session, plan for a lot rather than hunting for a meter. We are happy to tell you what is usually open if you call ahead on (619) 237-0058.
Eat and drink within walking distance
Hillcrest is one of the best food neighbourhoods in San Diego. Most clients grab something within a two-block walk before or after a session:
- Coffee and breakfast within one block on 6th Ave
- The University Ave restaurant strip, two blocks east
- Hillcrest farmers market on Sundays
- Balboa Park and the museums, a short walk south
For a long session, eat properly beforehand and bring water - it makes a real difference to how the day goes.
We are close to these San Diego neighbourhoods
Clients come to the Hillcrest studio from all over the city. Approximate drive times from the studio:
Bankers Hill
5 minutes south on 6th Ave.
University Heights
About 5 minutes east via University Ave.
North Park
Roughly 6–8 minutes east on University Ave.
Mission Hills
About 6 minutes north-west.
Downtown San Diego & Little Italy
Around 8–10 minutes south on 6th Ave.
Balboa Park & South Park
Within a 5–10 minute drive or a walk.
Visiting the Hillcrest studio
Where exactly is Broken Heart Tattoo in Hillcrest?
3704 6th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 - on 6th Avenue between Robinson Ave and Pennsylvania Ave. It is a short walk from University Ave and roughly five minutes from Balboa Park.
Is there parking near the studio?
Yes - metered street parking on 6th, Robinson and Pennsylvania, plus paid lots within one to two blocks on University Ave. Evenings after 6pm are usually easiest.
What are your opening hours?
Monday to Sunday, 12:00pm to 10:00pm - seven days a week, weekends included.
Is the studio wheelchair accessible?
The studio has a step-free, ground-floor entrance on 6th Ave. Call ahead on (619) 237-0058 if you need anything arranged before your appointment.
Can I walk in without an appointment?
Yes. Walk-ins are welcome every day from 12pm to 10pm, subject to artist availability. For larger pieces or a specific artist, book a free 15-minute consultation first.