Awesome that you got a great deal at the US Grant..it is a stunning property..Grant Grill is really good.
Make sure you go across the street to Dobson's and have their mussel bisque en croute..to die for and they make a great burger too.
La Jolla for the Seals is in the village behind the Grande Colonial Hotel and to the left..lifeguard tower..have breakfast at the Cottage and have lunch at George's at the cove..terrace dining.
You can Kayak and see the whales from LJ Shores..the aquarium is lovely along with the stunning MOMA in LJ.

As much as I love the Del, you must add at least 15 min. to get to your car and get back downtown; in March you may catch a lovely day, but its beaches are so splendid, they might best be enjoyed later in the year. Walking around Coronado is great. Walking around Gaslamp area fun-- and you can walk to the ferry, still must drive up to Hillcrest, zoo, Balboa, Mission Bay. Unless you're set on exploring north county, I wouldnt stay in LaJolla, it is annoyingly inaccessible to the 5 Fwy. and therefore takes awhile to get to, as pretty as the ocean route (101) is. We go to SD few times a year (son & family in north county) for the last 12 years. Downtown LaJolla (retail) has gone downhill in last couple years. In March I'd pick downtown.

escargot
Yes, as others have also mentioned the Children's Pool (beach) is where the seals are. It is so much fun to watch them.
After that you can walk north a few blocks to the La Jolla Cove. It is wonderful to discover sea life in the tide pools.
If you want to go swimming or canoeing head over to La Jolla Shores (a quick drive from the main downtown area of La Jolla) for a great lunch at Piatti's and check out the many dive, snorkle, canoe shops.
Also in the La Jolla Shores area is the Birch Aquarium which is part of Scripps Institute of Oceanography.
Good lunch spots in the village are The Cottage, Harry's for breakfast, El Pescador for lunch, George's Terrace, Zenbu for sushi, Pannikin for coffee.
You should also spend a day over in Coronado - walk around the Hotel Del Coronado (and go downstairs to read about the distinguished history of the hotel), go to Tent City for lunch or dinner, rent a bike at Hollands (on Orange Ave near 10th) and bike down to Glorietta Bay, and over to the beach.
You might check out the North Island (Coronado) Navy base to see if they still allow civilians to tour the ships. They used to do this.

It is quite easy to get to La Jolla from downtown as it is a straight shot up Interstate 5 North. You take the La Jolla Parkway exit and that brings you down into La Jolla.

From downtown you can head out to Coronado on Interstate 5 South and within a few minutes you will see the exit for the Coronado Bridge.
Coronado is literally 5 minutes by car from downtown.
If you don't have a car you can walk down to the Embarcadero and take the ferry over to Coronado. It is a beautiful ride over by boat.

It is quite easy to get to La Jolla from downtown as it is a straight shot up Interstate 5 North. You take the La Jolla Parkway exit and that brings you down into La Jolla. I've timed it many times - and it is about 20 -25 minutes.

From downtown you can head out to Coronado on Interstate 5 South and within a few minutes you will see the exit for the Coronado Bridge.
Coronado is literally 5 minutes by car from downtown.
If you don't have a car you can walk down to the Embarcadero and take the ferry over to Coronado. It is a beautiful ride over by boat.

escargot, you will love the Grant,a beautiful historic property!

sorry for the double post

escargot, I think the others have covered everything!

Nana, I will never get used to "La Jolla Parkway"!

La Jolla Parkway???

New name on the freeway sign for the La Jolla exit

LJ Parkway..6 years..2/03
I still think of it as Ardath.

Wow = thanks again for all the info, I am trying to put the itinerary together-

thanks for restaurant recs, directions, day ideas -

one question - although this trip is Feb 27 - March 2
and we have 3 full days -

I know no one can promise weather - but do you think it might be reasonable to think we could do the kayak trip in LaJolla?

thanks !

I know! It's a sacrilege!
I too still think of it as Ardath Road.

I would keep a kayak trip in mind depending on the weather. You never know. Sometimes we can have beautiful sunny weather. The shops also provide wet suits.

We use LJ Kayak and they are great..grab one of the best deli sandwiches at the Cheese Shop or stop into Jeff's burgers...all in the same block.
Piatti's or The Shores are great too for more upscale casual dining.

www.lajollakayak.com

How funny, I have certainly driven down the 5 often since they started calling it La Jolla Parkway and I never noticed... I lived off the 52 - in UC when I grew up in San Diego - it will always be Ardath road to me. :)

i still feel it very cumbersome reaching LaJolla from the 5; there is ALWAYS backup at light at the bottom of the hill just east of LaJolla Shores where we have been stuck for at least 15 min. at non-rush. I think residents are happy it is so indirect and therefore keeps traffic/tourists down! But going to Acqua Trattoria, Georges and The Cottage makes it all worth it! Kayaking at the Shores is good, there is also a cave into which you can walk from down below Prospect St-- who knew this?? Hopefully they will let the seals stay at Seal Beach, not for nothing, but the children and other humans have lots of other beaches from which to pick. But it's never easy parking in La Jolla. Happy Travels!! Traveller, try to follow signs up to Mt. Soladad from either Garnet in Pac. Beach or from La Jolla Shores Blvd. It's 'almost' as good a view as from Pt. Loma if clear. Enjoy!