Making a lifetime commitment to a piece of artwork such as a tattoo should require a lot of consideration, both of the knowledge of the artist and reputation of the facility. Orange County happens to have some the best tattoo parlors for miles around. Check them out the next time you’re itching to get some new ink.

Laguna Tattoo
656 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 497-3702
www.lagunatattoo.comPrice: Hourly rate is $150 and there must be an $80 minimum, Military discounts offered
Hours: Daily – 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Laguna Tattoo first opened in 1982, which makes the parlor the oldest tattoo shop in Orange County. The current owner is Stephen Chrome, and he and fellow artists Brian Taylor and Devin Mena create some of the most detailed and interesting artwork around. Over the years, the team has accumulated thousands of designs for the shop’s portfolio, and some of the most popular works range from fictional Star Wars characters to Hollywood legends like Marilyn Monroe.  Laguna Tattoo also specializes in custom-drawn designs and symbols. While most shops request appointments, Laguna is open to walk-ins on weekdays and weekends. This shop is so famous that is has even appeared on more than one occasion on MTV’s Laguna Beach. While the location of the shop is right across from the ocean make it a great spot to visit, the longevity of this business, its reputation and stunning art work done here is what demonstrates that Laguna Tattoo is truly one of the best tattoo shops in Orange County.

Goodfellas Tattoo
1655 N Glassell St.
Orange, CA 92867
(714) 921-8282
www.goodfellastattoo.comPrice: Varies by artist and art piece(s)
Hours: Mon to Thurs – 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Fri to Sat – 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sun – 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Goodfellas Tattoo in Orange, California has been open for over 10 years and hosts some of the most sought after artists in the area. The shop is super clean and professional, and all equipment used to tattoo is single use autoclave sterilized or hospital grade sterilized. The services and designs that they offer are some of the key reasons why so many customers choose this location as one of the best tattoo shops in Orange County. The brilliant colors, diverse patterns, global designs, ethnocentric pictures and intense lettering only add to making it a prime location for customers looking to add special art to the canvas of their bodies.

The Vatican
23532 El Toro Road #17
Lake Forrest, CA 92630
(949) 470-9213
francovescovi.comPrice: Range from $100-$250 an hour depending on the artists
Hours: By appointment only

Previously featured on several tv shows, as well as in many tattoo magazines, The Vatican is a five star tattoo shop owned by Franco Vescovi. The parlor boasts good prices in a clean environment with amazing artists on staff. In fact, many of the artists at The Vatican have won awards for their exceptional work with bold designs and versatile colors. Celebrities who have gotten inked here include motor cross star Carry Hart, Fieldy from Korn, Micky Slick, David Wells, Ryan Shekler and Dennis Rodman.  Love the artwork done here but not ready to have it permanently etched on your body? One of the artists, Latisha Wood, has expanded from not only doing body art but to also designing her own awesome line of shoes. These beauties showcase her amazing drawing talent on high heels and sneakers. Here you will find tattoos with bold designs, versatility in colors, and their creative details on their art work.

A-Town Tattoo
12776 Brookhurst St.
Garden Grove, CA
(714) 534-8784
www.atowntattoos.comPrice: Varies
Hours: Daily 12 p.m to 12 a.m.

A-Town Tattoo located in Garden Grove has established a good working relationship with its customers and is known for its exceptional work in Polynesian art. Artists here not only create Islander designs; they also have various selections and techniques including black and gray in fine line. Some other requested favorites are portrait drawings, tribals and cosmetic tattooing. You most definitely want to check out this parlor if you want a tattoo that will turn heads. Stop in and speak with Sii Liufau, the owner of A-Town Tattoo. He, along with any of the other well-respected artists at A-Town including Danh Mai, Allek Gaoay, Steve Looney (Pacific Soul Tattoo), Sulu’ape Lafaele, Sulu’ape Peter, Lio Fa’amasino, and Hene Ongoloka, will be happy to talk to customers about their works.

Gold Rush Tattoo
1779 Newport Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 646-7874
goldrushtattoo.comPrice: Varies
Hours: Mon to Sat – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Walk-ins accepted, but appointments recommended

The Gold Rush Tattoo shop has received dozens of recommendations for their great work, friendly artists and well maintained shop. The Gold Rush is conveniently located only a mile away from the beach in Costa Mesa, and has been in business for over 5 years. Gold Rush’s staff is a group of very talented artists who have gained a loyal following. The store is known for its detailed tattoos and impeccable job at lettering. Gold Rush Tattoo is one of Orange County’s best tattoo parlors for its stylish designs, great atmosphere and professional art work.

Cassandra Bautista is a freelance writer from Los Angeles. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.