Hollywood Tans for Best San Diego Tanning Salons

A true San Diego native, I grew up on the beaches of Encinitas and considered a continuous bronze coat my number one priority during endless summers.

I may have never learned to surf, but I sure mastered the extreme sport of tanning. From the water-proof boom box humming reggae rhymes to pillow hills and lounge holes made of sand and my beloved Banana Boat oil that seemed to never run dry, I had the art of beach tanning down to the last nostalgic ‘90s detail. 

While my office is only steps from La Jolla shores, my summers are now spent in a realm of indoor responsibility, rather than carefree and sun-kissed splendor. Know the feeling? San Diego local or transplant, if you’re like me, in recent years you’ve had to explore advanced tanning options to fit a bronze base into your busy lifestyle. Even in San Diego – a city defined by beach culture – tanning salons are helping hue-challenged locals reach new chromatic heights.

Hollywood Tans is the national leader in indoor tanning with nearly 300 locations nationwide and over 10 locations in the San Diego area. When I realized my old-school ways of tanning were thrown to the wind years ago, I immediately turned to the experts at Hollywood Tans to educate me on the new era of indoor tanning.

A sun-deprived San Diegan searching for the light, I anxiously arrived at Hollywood Tans in Pacific Beach, one of the luxury chain’s 8 premier tanning salons in San Diego. I was instantly surprised by the spacious and vibrant interior – shimmering pink and blue booths lined in gold trim peeking out from behind a welcoming desk area stocked full of tanning tips and tricks. After just a few moments, a perky and petite (not to mention extremely tan) receptionist began to walk me through the resplendent ways of Hollywood Tans, otherwise known as Tanetics – where the science of tanning meets the art of beauty.

Tanning Booths

Previous to my first lesson in Tanetics, I assumed all tanning booths were lay-down horizontal beds. And thanks to scenes from scary movies where the bronze-seeking babes are trapped inside bright tanning beds, I was a bit nervous to hop in and lay down without a body guard standing by. I was pleased to learn Hollywood Tans features high quality stand-up booths to ensure clients only receive the most sanitary and effective indoor tanning options available. At Hollywood Tans, there are four high performance stand-up booths to choose from.

HT High Pressure Booth
The High Pressure filter blocks out most UVB rays – which cause skin to exfoliate faster – so your tan will last longer. High pressure tanning is known to yield immediate results; get a great base tan your first visit and you’ll only need 2 or 3 visits a month to maintain your desired shade.

HT60: 8-minute Tan
The HT60 is the fastest tanning booth available at Hollywood Tans. After just 3 or 4 sessions and only 2% UVB, you’ll have the perfect long lasting base tan.

HT54: 10-minute Tan
Choose the HT54 for a mellow approach. You can keep your cool and still get tan in 4 to 5 sessions. 

HT42: Great Value, Great Tan
This calm booth will get you a beach glow after 5 or 6 sessions.

From the HT42 all the way up to the HT High Pressure, I started with a base tan and worked my way up to a shimmering bronze glow thanks to the knowledgeable staff at Hollywood Tans. Because I grew up under the San Diego sun – and started off with a French olive skin tone to begin with – my booth-based tan left me happy … but secretly wanting more. Back at Hollywood Tans, I experienced my second lesson in Tanetics: UV-Free Tanning.

Instant Tan powered by Mystic

Returning to San Diego tanning headquarters, this time at the Gaslamp Hollywood Tans salon, I was introduced to the new era of indoor tanning: Instant Tan powered by Mystic. The rules of modern tanning are a bit peculiar: leave the sun, go indoors, step away from the light. According to Tanetics, we can now get a beautiful, natural looking tan in seconds without ever nearing the sun or booths. 

The Instant Tan mists your body with premium bronzers, moisturizers and DHA for a smooth, natural-looking tan in just seconds. A custom cartridge made by the Hollywood Tans experts lets you choose the perfect shade for an even tan that lasts 5 to 7 days. If you have trouble tanning in the sun, this UV-free treatment may just be the solution you’ve been searching for.

The modern Mystic booths at all San Diego Hollywood Tans salons guide you through the Instant Tan process with step-by-step directions. From where to put your feet to which direction to face and how to hang your arms – an automated voice within the booth instructs you from beginning until end, making sure the tanning process is as smooth as your tanning results.

At Hollywood Tans, Instant Tan powered by Mystic is so easy and efficient it’s the perfect UV-free tanning solution for men and women of all ages. From personal experience, however, I feel it’s my duty to grant you access to the Tan Commandments - a list of ten essential tips to achieve the ultimate spray tan experience – from Hollywood Tans’ Senior Tanologist Susan Lutter. From pre-tan exfoliation to mid-tan form and post-tan pat downs, these Insider tips will elevate your Mystic experience. Read the Tan Commandments from Hollywood Tans.

Even in our beloved beach town of San Diego, tanning salons are helping hue-challenged residents discover new chromatic heights. Hollywood Tans is my preferred choice for tanning salons in San Diego. Whether you’re a local straight off the beach in Encinitas like me, or a transplant just in from Chicago, indoor tanning options enable you to remain bronze despite your busy lifestyle.

Find Your Hollywood Tans in San Diego