If you’d rather see animals a little closer, you can also explore the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, just 15 miles south. Either way, you can have a wild time!*

One of the city's biggest draws for more than a century, the San Diego Zoo is constantly adding new attractions and animals. This includes the arrival of a pair of giant pandas in San Diego in 2024.

There are nearly 700 animal species and subspecies, thousands of plants, and dozens of attractions in this sprawling 100-acre park. These tips will help you make the most of your time. 

Traveling with family — especially younger members? The Denny Sanford Wildlife Explorers Basecamp should be your first stop. The more than three-acre site offers plenty of spaces to play and learn about various habitats, including deserts, rainforests, forests, and meadows. 

Another must-visit attraction is the giant panda exhibit. See Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, whose antics can also be viewed worldwide via the zoo's giant panda cam. But be sure to sign up for free access tickets to Panda Ridge at the front gate upon arrival; the pandas draw big crowds. The nearby Lost Forest is home to the fan-favorite hippos, along with their smaller cousins, the pygmy hippos, and their monkey neighbors. The zoo also boasts the largest colony of koalas outside of their native Australia. It’s a highlight of the park's Outback, along with Tasmanian devils and wombats. 

A great way to start or end your experience is by taking a trip on the Skyfari. A shortcut over the treetops from the Northern Frontier to the Basecamp, the aerial tram gives a bird’s-eye view of the park and surrounding Balboa Park neighborhood.

Whether it's your first or fifth visit to the zoo, curate your experience by booking a specialized or custom tour in advance. All these tours have an additional cost. Check with the zoo for the latest pricing. 

The Inside Look tour is a behind-the-scenes journey explaining how the zoo operates. It focuses on how the team takes care of the animals, featuring stories that visitors won’t hear elsewhere. For panda lovers, there’s the Early Morning with Pandas Walking Tour, which provides access before the exhibit opens to the general public. The Animals in Action tour provides for exclusive access to some of the park’s “wildlife ambassadors”— it’s a favorite for those who want that up-close-and-personal photo opportunity.

But to create the ultimate personalized adventure, set up an exclusive VIP experience led by a dedicated tour guide.

The zoo features some 30 spots for food, whether you're looking to get ice cream, grab a quick bite, or enjoy a sit-down meal. 

The San Diego Zoo Sandwich Co. is located just inside the front gate. It’s perfect for breakfast and lunch options, like a sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich or a Cali BLT (with avocado). The Busy Bee Cafe, next to the Explorers Basecamp, has kids and family meals. A popular option is a bucket of hot dogs and pizza "feast," which includes a Caesar salad. Snack shacks throughout the park offer plenty of beverage options, including a selection of local brews befitting the city's designation as the "Craft Beer Capital of America."

For a sit-down meal, Albert’s Restaurant is a popular choice, thanks in part to its outdoor deck overlooking a waterfall. Check out its great weekend brunch. Or stop by and enjoy a signature cocktail like a Porcupine Pomegranate Skinny Margarita with steak frites or the cauliflower fried rice — and the view. 

Want more animal adventures? The San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido is a sister location that offers more fun with more to explore. This park is about 18 miles south of Hyatt Vacation Club at The Welk. It has been a part of the community since 1972. 

Wander the botanical gardens. Then be on the lookout for rhinoceroses, tigers, lions, California condors, and an Australia exhibit with kangaroos and wallabies. Plus, a new elephant habitat is coming in late 2025.

Let your San Diego area escape take you along the picturesque hills of Southern California to The Welk. Refreshing amenities and spacious villas await: 

• Two scenic championship golf courses
• Inspired Activities & Experiences like Around the Town Scavenger Hunt, wine-tasting, escape room, and e-bike cruises
• Eight pools including one with a 120-foot waterslide, one just for kids, and one for those seeking tranquility 
• Eight hot tubs 
• Five recreational areas 
• State-of-the-art fitness center with equipment, classes, and an indoor rock-climbing wall 
• Four eateries
• Spacious villas with private bedrooms, full bathrooms, fireplaces, private patios, or balconies, and more
• Live performances at the on-property theater 

Whether enjoying a quiet couples’ weekend or bringing the whole family, you’ll leave The Welk feeling refreshed and reconnected to each other. 

Robert Spuhler is a travel and lifestyle writer based in Southern California. At the Zoo in Balboa Park, he can usually be found along the Monkey Trail, often with one of the park's specialty cocktails in hand.

Start planning your trip to Southern California today — book a stay at The Welk.

* No inquiry has been made into the off-site locations, activities, services, or events, or the qualifications, safety, or quality of the off-site locations, activities, services, or events, and WHV Resort Group, Inc. and HV Global Group, Inc. (collectively, “HVC”) make no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance, or any other aspect of such off-site locations, activities, events, or service providers listed herein. Do not consider this an endorsement of or recommendation for any of the off-site locations, activities, services, events, or providers. Neither WHV Resort Group, Inc. nor HV Global Group, Inc. assumes liability for attendance at, or visits to, any off-site locations, or the products, activities, or services furnished by independent service providers. Additional fees and costs may apply. Activities and events are subject to change. Some activities or events may require the participant to be in good health and have a certain level of skill.