SeeCalifornia.com

If the name, Lotus, stirs you in unexpected ways you could be thinking about the expensive and exotic British race car, The Lotus. Or maybe you’re thinking about the California town named Lotus not far from Coloma. They have a music festival each year that some refer to as the Lotus festival. There’s a band, software and many Chinese restaurants with Lotus in their name. But the Lotus that captures the hearts and minds of some fans this summer is a flower which happens to be sacred for Hindus and Buddhists. The exotic, delicate-looking aquatic perennial grows from shallow pools of water, often sprouting petals of pastel pink or lavender colors. One attraction and two festivals (that we know of) in California celebrate the Lotus. At Lotusland in Santa Barbara you can see flowers seasonally in bloom during regularly scheduled tours. One highlight at the 37 acre botanical garden is  Lotusfest in July.  Another festival with a long tradition is the Lotus Festival in Echo Park, Los Angeles. It is also held in July.