I've been coming to this salon for years, which is why this experience was so disappointing. I made a noon appointment for a manicure and pedicure. Before coming in, I called to ask if I could arrive at 12:15, but they told me they were too busy and that I needed to be there at noon. I arrived around 12:05, and as soon as I walked in, two employees told me they couldn't take me and suggested I come back another day. After I reminded them that I had an appointment, they asked what kind of nails I wanted. When I said I hadn't decided yet, they told me they didn't have time for long nails. I said I was happy to do short nails instead, and only then did they agree to see me. Once I sat down, I was told I couldn't use the same color for my manicure and pedicure because they didn't want to share the same bottle between technicians, so I had to choose a different color for my toes. Then I asked for my usual dip manicure and was told they only had time for gel. When I asked about dip, I was told they had already informed me of that, which they hadn't. If the type of manicure affected scheduling, someone should have asked when I booked the appointment or when I called before coming in. Instead, I felt like I was being treated as the inconvenience, despite having an appointment and being a longtime customer. I ended up skipping my manicure altogether and left feeling disappointed. After years of coming here, this experience was enough that I won't be returning. read more

I recently went to NBTS for the first time with my family while they were in town visiting. I had a superb experience getting a gel mani, gel pedi, and neck massage. It was so relaxing, and they did an excellent job on my cuticles. read more

I got a gel pedicure and a new set of builder gel nails. I'm a really really bad nail biter and I'm pet self conscious about it. The nail tech was soooo nice and made me feel really comfortable and checked multiple times about shape/ pain tolerance (it gets hot from the light I think?). My pedicure was great too. Really nice vibe inside--no strong chemical smells, they had the Bravo channel on or something HGTV. Only thing that could really elevate it would be like complimentary drinks or something. I love a free Diet Coke with a mani pedi read more

The nails were initially beautiful + service was fabulous, but after about it a week the top coat started coming off of all of my nails (my thumb nail after 2 days). The video is of the nails about 2 weeks after the appointment, maybe I'm very spoiled at home but usually dip lasts me about 3 weeks. Still would go, but maybe not for dip :( read more

Nails by the Sea - Dip Manicure with Chrome - Nail Salons Near Me - La Jolla, California

Cancelling 3 minutes before an appointment is honestly not respectful of people's time

Super relaxing service. It was my husband's first time ever being in a salon or getting a manicure and pedicure. They were very welcoming . I ended up getting acrylics and a pedicure they both came out super cute! I will be coming again very soon! They also took us pretty late on Labor Day so that was awesome! read more

See all

Great experience at this place today. Such a kind staff, quality work, and just a very calm presence there. Will for sure be back.

My friend got her nails done today with Tracy and they turned out amazing. The shape was on point and the design was super clean. She did a deep burgundy French tip with a tortoise shell mix and it looked so good in person. Tracy was really nice and took her time to make sure every detail looked perfect. You can tell she's really talented and cares about her work. If you're looking to get your nails done, definitely go to Tracy. She killed it. read more

Nails by the Sea - Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - La Jolla, California

I went there, experienced their services, and got everything I wanted. Go and experience it for yourself. They have many young and highly skilled nail technicians. 10/10 read more

Nails by the Sea - So pretty - Nail Salons Near Me - La Jolla, California

See all

Got fungus on my finger nails He said it was a bruise the first nail. It spread to both hands on multiple nails. Then tool the nails product off but did not file the fungus down. Horrifying. Disappointing, I had been a client for many years prior to Kevin selling. Then this read more

Nails by the Sea never disappoints ! All I have to do is show a picture from Pinterest and they deliver right down to the last detail. My acrylics have lasted me 4 months (longest I've been able to keep a set). Immaculate craftsmanship. read more

Nails by the Sea - Nail Salons Near Me - La Jolla, California

See all

Just say thank you to everyone. My daughters regular manicure still good now .I think it's been 10 days.So happy... thank you so much read more

Nails by the Sea - Nail Salons Near Me - La Jolla, California

See all

They did 2 incredible pedicures! Really clean, nice technicians and overall great! I would highly recommend.

I absolutely love this nail salon. I have been getting a Gelx manicure from Shelly every few weeks and she never disappoints. Jaden has also done my nails a couple times when Shelly isn't working, and she does an excellent job as well. I can let each set go about 3 weeks and it still looks fantastic. The staff is attentive and incredibly sweet. Would highly recommend this salon read more

Nails by the Sea - My latest gel x manicure from Jaden, I believe the color was 5007 with pearl chrome - Nail Salons Near Me - La Jolla, California

My favorite nail place in San Diego. I love all the technicians, but Phuong is my favorite! She takes such good care of my nails. They were so damaged before coming here, but now they look healthy and so much better. Phuong is so sweet and funny, and most importantly, she really takes her time making my nails look good. I have taken my mom and many friends here and they've all loved it. Such a great vibe and wonderful place to get a relaxing nail service. read more

Shelly did a fantastic job with my aura nail design! I love how efficient and nice everyone is at Nails by the Sea!! read more

Nails by the Sea - Nail Salons Near Me - La Jolla, California

Absolutely wonderful trip for my girls and I. Mani & pedi with gel for all three had 6 amazing manicurists who were professional, friendly, & incredible perfectionists. Will definitely be back. Phuong was just a delight!!! And Flower is sweet as can be. read more

See all

I stopped in for a callus pedicure. It was very relaxing, quick and came out great. Nice staff all around.

I have been getting my nails done here on and off for over ten years! I have tried other places around town, but I keep coming back to this unassuming, but amazing Bird Rock nail salon. Everytime I get a gel manicure here it lasts for at least two weeks. For some reason, when I get gel at other salons it just slides off within a week. The spa is clean and calm, and they take their time here. They don't rush you out assembly line style like so many salons these days. I highly recommend this place if you're in the area, and even if you're not! Hands down, the best nail salon in San Diego! Every time read more

Talk about a glow up!! The whole salon got so much better!! New interior design, new pedicure chairs, all new gel colors, and amazing new owner! Tracy's gel manicures last me 3+ weeks and she can do literally any design you want! Ann does the best pedicure with a massage that is next level! However, my favorite part is you can now book your appointment entirely online and they accept credit cards and Venmo!! Located a short walk from the beach and bird rock coffee, this is my go to new spot! read more

Nails by the Sea - Nail Salons Near Me - La Jolla, California

The salon is very professional, the people who work here are so pleasant and offers so many services. I am lucky to be a patron.

Nails look fabulous and art was perfect! Treated like old friends and pampered as usual. read more

Nails by the Sea - Perfectly done and adorable! - Nail Salons Near Me - La Jolla, California

My daughters and I needed pedicures and new nails. The staff were tops! They really took care of us. Treated us as regulars and served us like family. I would definitely come back if I were closer. Thank you!!! read more

Excellent quality. Very good technique. Friendly staff. They fit me in and were very efficient.

Kai is the best! He does the best dip mani and is gentle, and quick. My nails look so good and feel so strong and they never chip. My favorite is the hot towel afterwards too! Their renovation is so fresh and nice plus the entire staff is so friendly and welcoming! They also spoil my pup with treats. I can't recommend this place enough!! read more

I've been going to Nails by the Sea for 2 years and refuse to go anywhere else. 2 years seems like a short time compared to all the guests that seem to have been coming in for years and years. Every time someone comes in, the incredible staff knows the person by first name and asks how their kids are. Its a very friendly atmosphere where people always go back. They do an amazing job every time. I typically get gel mani and pedi and Flower will do my eyebrows. Recently, I decided to get Gel X nails with a French tip by Kai, and I absolutely love them. Nails by the sea always does a great job, and the staff is so sweet and attentive. I recommend coming here whether you live locally or need your nails done on vacation :) read more

Nails by the Sea - Gel X French tips - Nail Salons Near Me - La Jolla, California

See all

Tried several nail salons in the area over the last 10 years, and this is the best one by far! They not only care about the quality of their work, and also the customers. My manicures and pedicures from here less far longer than other places, and cost a bit less! So overall a great value. Take are hygienic, have the latest colors and great massage chairs. Referred by a friend who's been coming here for many years. Highly recommend you check it out! read more

Nails by the Sea - Just had another fabulous gel mani - pedi - Nail Salons Near Me - La Jolla, California

Really awesome gem to find in the heart of Bird Rock / Windansea. Ladies here are really kind and friendly! They make getting your nails done a peaceful experience. My favorite service is the deluxe pedicure with paraffin and a menthol mask. Every tech has their own style, but just tell them what you like. They're very accommodating! Thus far, Helen, Mindy, and Ann have gave me great service. Can't wait for the next pedicure ! read more

Nails by the Sea - Spacious - Nail Salons Near Me - La Jolla, California

See all

The best nail salon in San Diego! I have been going here for 7 years and I will not go anywhere else! They always do a wonderful job on my nails and toes, and I leave feeling refreshed. Every nail artist is wonderful, talented, and so friendly. I recommend making an appointment so you're able to sit back and relax. When I get a pedicure I love getting the sugar scrub which comes with a mini massage. Recently I have been getting into designs and it has been so much fun! read more

See all

I so appreciate that this service is open and welcoming during this time. My friend and I were immediately acknowledged as we walked into the bright and clean environment. We had just come from drinking coffee nearby and found that the restrooms were closed even to their customers. We also found that there were two other restaurants in Bird Rock that would not let us use their facilities. It was both important and refreshing (literally) when the owner immediately got up, went over and unlocked the door to the immaculate bathrooms... "First things first" and if you want excellent care from top to toes, I would recommend "Nails by the Sea!" read more

Nails by the Sea - A beautiful day to be alive and in La Jolla! - Nail Salons Near Me - La Jolla, California

See all

They always do a phenomenal job! Best massages I've ever had and my nails last forever! I even had my daughter's birthday here and they were so accommodating. The girls had the best time! They've done a fantastic job with the remodel and their attention to detail and care for their customers goes above and beyond. read more

I have been going to this shop for over 20 years! I have been through 3 owner changes. I am happy to report that not only have I gotten great nail services - I usually get gel manicures and regular pedicures - but the new owners that took over in the fall of 2024 have really invested in the shop! Nails by the Sea has had most beautiful make-over! The shop now is bright and new with so many nail color choices -- both dip and gel! I will miss the retired owners, but the new owners are not only incredible practitioners but have created a whole new welcoming atmosphere in the shop! All the nail staff is amazing; my favorite practitioner is Phuong! She has been through all the ownership changes and is magnificent! My father, husband, sister and friends have also come to this salon - each have enjoyed their experience. I highly recommend this salon! read more

The best place to get your eyebrows waxed! Flower is a perfectionist! If you're in bird rock visiting and need a wax or mani/pedi.. this is your place! Your nails and toes will look perfect! If you live in the San Diego area, I highly recommend coming to nails by the sea! They are lovely, kind, and the absolute best! read more

Nails by the Sea - Perfect brows - Nail Salons Near Me - La Jolla, California

Wow wow wow, honestly If I could give this place more stars I would!! Every single one of those girls are sweethearts. You don't go in there and feel awkward, they are so welcoming and so respectful and do such a bang on job! Flower is such a sweetheart and I finally have a regular place to go. I also had the BEST foot massage I probably have ever had. I will 100% be going back there, not a question in my mind :) read more

Nails by the Sea - Nail Salons Near Me - La Jolla, California

See all

I LOVE NAILS BY THE SEA! They always get my nail ideas perfect and have these real followers that i love to add to my nails. Not only are they cheaper then most places in La Jolla but also super quick! 10/10 service read more

Nails by the Sea - Nails! - Nail Salons Near Me - La Jolla, California

Flower is the best!!!! I would recommend her to anyone, no one is more thorough or careful. The whole team here are lovely! Best nail salon in La Jolla! read more

Nails by the Sea - Best nails San Diego - Nail Salons Near Me - La Jolla, California

Be wary if you've never been. The only color options they make avail and show you are gel colors which are more $$. Then when they bring the bottle over and say it's gel, you ask if that costs more, and they say "no." Then later, they charge you almost double (for the service you booked) for using gel. They say "sorry" and bow but never make it right. Plus the chart colors are way off and look much more orange in real life. If they hadn't lied, upsold and the colors were correct, I guess the manicures themselves are ok. read more

Everyone at the nail shop are amazing. Everyone's soo friendly. I've had my nails done with Kevin he is amazing. Short walk from my work I've gone in at lunch time and I'm in and out. And very cautious with covid. And Kevin's wife is amazing if you need your eyebrows waxed. My before and after pics of my eyebrows blew me away. read more

See all

Very friendly nail salon, I have been several times and have had great experiences every time

What an amazing place! I called at 6:30 (they close at 7) they took me in without any problems. I had dip powder done and they applied nail polish to my toes. Service was AMAZING! Flower and her husband were very friendly and helpful. I'm from out of town but they treated me like they've known me for years. Would go back in a heartbeat! Thank you Flower for such wonderful service you're a gem! read more