It goes without saying that where Taylor Swift goes, crowds follow – and this time the spotlight’s on coastal California.

Sea, a tiny enclave (population 3,104) on the Golden State’s central coast, about 120 miles south of San Francisco. Some of its whimsy is natural. Outside of the summer months, Carmel Beach is serene, ...

Located about 5 miles south of Monterey and Pebble Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a humble seaside village with fairy tale cottages, a few small shops and cafes – at least that's the cover story.