Seeking Sanity in San Luis Obispo

By Kate Ayrton | September 21, 2008 |

If you are looking for a fun weekend getaway or a pit stop on the drive to San Francisco, a great place to check yourself into is the funky Sanitarium Spa in the college town of San Luis Obispo. This unique and whimsical Bed and Breakfast is owned by a German artist and her husband. Beautifully renovated, it was once a sanitarium for recovering outpatients, not to mention a frat house! Now, the intimate seven-room period house offers stunning accommodation to travelers complete with large in-room iron soaking tubs, wood burning fireplaces, and private decks.

Our favorite rooms are Tranquilibrium, Epiphenization and Euphoriasm. Guests who require a longer stay can check into the outpatient ward, which has larger accommodations. There is also an open kitchen and art studio, so if you feel like cooking or painting, go right ahead! Ask Vicky, a Picasso-like beauty who runs the Inn, to make you her special Coconut Cream Pie. Who needs anti-depressants! What more can we say… just check yourself in.

Hot Local Tips: On Thursday nights there is a great Farmers Market on Higuera Street. It’s the mother of all farmers markets. Another fun pit stop is the outdoor Sunset Drive-In theater, which shows double features just like in the old days–eat burgers and make out till the cows come home!

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