Vacation home destinations

Napa and Sonoma sit within an hour of each other and share the same coastal fog, the same long harvest light and much of the same soil. They are also, in practice, two quite different places to spend a weekend or a decade. But if your time is limited, or you're deciding where to put down roots with a second home in wine country, something has to break the tie. Here's a current look at what separates Napa and Sonoma are both less than 60 miles north of San Francisco, and geographic confusion between them is common even among Bay Area natives. Part of the mix-up is that both names refer to a city, a county and a valley at the same time. When people ask about Sonoma Valley vs. Napa Valley specifically, they're usually talking about the narrower wine-growing valleys rather than the full counties, which extend further west and east. Napa Valley is a narrow, 30-mile-long corridor that's only five miles across at its widest point. It's home to four main tourist towns: Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga. With more than 500 wineries packed into that small footprint, Napa has built its reputation on structured Cabernet Sauvignon, polished tasting rooms and a dense concentration of destination dining. Sonoma County is more than twice the size of Napa and far more varied. The Sonoma Valley itself runs about 17 miles north to south between the Sonoma Mountains and the Mayacamas range, but the county stretches all the way to the Pacific Ocean and includes 19 distinct AVAs, from Russian River Valley to Alexander Valley to Dry Creek Valley. More than 30 towns fall within Sonoma County, with Sonoma and Healdsburg as the best known. That extra room translates into more varietal range, more family-owned wineries and a noticeably slower pace. Tasting fee and bottle price figures from Silicon Valley Bank's 2026 Direct-to-Consumer Wine Report. The towns of Napa and Sonoma sit about 14 miles apart, a drive of roughly 20 to 25 minutes along Highway 12 and Highway 121 through Carneros. That short hop is exactly why so many visitors end up splitting a trip between both regions rather than choosing just one. Distance varies more once you look past the two town centers. Calistoga, at the north end of Napa Valley, to Healdsburg, in northern Sonoma County, is closer to 40 minutes. Getting from downtown Napa to the Sonoma Coast can take over an hour, since the Mayacamas Mountains separate the two counties for most of their length and only a handful of roads cross between them. If you're planning a day that touches both valleys, build in extra time for the two-lane roads that wind through the hills connecting them. Napa Valley built its international reputation on structure. The region is best known for Cabernet Sauvignon, along with Merlot and Chardonnay, and its wines lean toward bold, age-worthy bottles from marquee estates along Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail. Sonoma vs. Napa wines is really a contrast in personality: Sonoma's cooler pockets near the Pacific, particularly Russian River Valley, produce some of California's most sought-after Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, while Dry Creek Valley is known for old-vine Zinfandel and the Sonoma Coast turns out excellent sparkling wine. If your palate leans toward big, structured reds, Napa's lineup will feel like home. If you want to spend a weekend moving between cool-climate Pinot, old-vine Zin and a proper sparkling house, Sonoma covers more ground. Cost is one of the clearest differences between the two regions, and it's shifted meaningfully in the past year. According to Both counties have started experimenting with lower prices as wine tourism has softened. About 30% of wineries in each region reported dropping fees over the past year, though the region-wide averages have barely moved. The gap widens once you factor in bottle prices: Napa wine averages around $103 a bottle, compared with roughly $64 in Sonoma. For a full day of tasting, Napa's flagship Cabernet houses can run $75 to $200 per person, while Sonoma's boutique and family-run wineries frequently land in the $30 to $60 range. Neither region is cheap, but Sonoma consistently gives you more tastings per dollar. One more practical difference: Napa's tasting culture leans heavily toward reservations, especially at name-brand estates, while Sonoma still has more wineries that welcome walk-ins. If your trip is loosely planned, Sonoma is the more forgiving region to wing it in. Where you stay comes down to how you want to spend your days. Napa's four main towns, Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga, sit close together along a single corridor, so you're rarely more than 15 minutes from a winery, a Michelin-recognized restaurant or a wellness soak in Calistoga's hot springs. It's an easy region to base yourself in without a car for very long stretches of the day. For a closer look at how to divide your time once you've picked a home base, see our Sonoma spreads out more. Staying in the town of Sonoma puts you near historic sites and a walkable plaza with a laid-back pace, while basing yourself in Healdsburg or the Russian River area puts you closer to some of the county's best-regarded wineries and a livelier restaurant scene of its own. Renting a bike is a realistic way to see close-in wineries from either town, but if far-flung wineries are on your list, plan on a car or a tour. For winery-specific recommendations once you've settled on a home base, our If you want maximum convenience and a shorter list of towns to choose from, Napa is the easier region to stay in. If you'd rather have room to spread out and explore at a slower pace, Sonoma gives you more towns and sub-regions to pick from. For anyone weighing living in Napa vs. Sonoma as a second-home owner rather than a weekend visitor, the calculus shifts. Napa's compact geography and dense concentration of fine dining make it easy to feel settled quickly, but that same density means weekends can feel busy, especially around harvest season from late August through October. Sonoma's larger footprint means more elbow room and a slower day-to-day rhythm, with a genuine small-town feel in places like Healdsburg and the town of Sonoma, plus easier access west toward the Sonoma Coast for a change of scenery. Both regions reward repeat visits more than a single trip ever could. Owning rather than booking a hotel changes that math further: you get to know the same wineries, the same restaurant staff and the same seasonal rhythms year after year, instead of relearning a destination every time you visit. There's no universal answer to whether Sonoma or Napa is better, only a better fit based on how you travel: The pull of wine country rarely fades after one trip. It's the idea of a regular table at your favorite restaurant, a familiar face at the tasting room counter and a place where your family gathers every harvest instead of once every few years. That kind of familiarity comes from returning to the same address, not the same region. Owning a whole second home outright can also mean carrying the full cost and upkeep of a property that sits empty most of the year. Pacaso allows buyers to purchase a share (1/8 to 1/2) of a Explore current

Massachusetts is a state built on contrasts: a Revolutionary War capital with a modern skyline, quiet coastal towns a short drive from big-city museums, and mountain foliage a couple of hours from the ocean. Whether you're walking the Freedom Trail, spending a week on Cape Cod, or timing a trip around Salem's October crowds, this guide breaks down the best things to do in Massachusetts by region and by season. Boston is the natural starting point for any Massachusetts trip, with most of its major sites within walking distance of each other downtown. A short drive from downtown Boston opens up some of the state's most distinctive history, from witch trials to Walden Pond. Cape Cod and the islands are where Massachusetts' coastal reputation comes from, and they're also where Pacaso's Massachusetts portfolio is concentrated. If you're weighing which Cape Cod town fits your plans best, our guide to Away from the coast, central and western Massachusetts trade beaches for rolling hills, historic villages, and the Berkshires' arts scene. Summer is peak season across most of the state, especially on the coast. Fall brings foliage, harvest festivals, and Salem's biggest month of the year. Boston leans into the holidays each winter, with events running from late November through New Year's. A few things to do in Massachusetts are hard to find anywhere else. Massachusetts brings together Revolutionary history, coastal towns, and a genuine change of season in a way few states can match. Whether that means Fenway on a spring evening, a week on Cape Cod in August, or watching the Berkshires turn gold in October, it's the kind of place that rewards a return visit rather than a single trip. Pacaso allows buyers to purchase a share (1/8 to 1/2) of a To see the full range of homes across the state, browse

One of South Carolina's barrier islands, Kiawah is ten miles of hard-packed beach, maritime forest, and championship golf. Beyond the fairways and the shoreline, there is a steady calendar of fun things to do on Kiawah Island, plus family activities, wildlife, and rainy-day options enough to fill a trip in any season. Here is a look at the best things to do on Kiawah Island, whether you are visiting for a weekend or considering a second home on the island. Kiawah's event calendar runs all year, with most gatherings centered on Yes, Kiawah Island is good for families and makes a great vacation destination thanks to its calm, gently sloping surf, wide beaches, and 30 miles of paved biking trails that make it easy to explore together. Kiawah Island family activities span every age group, from toddlers splashing at the shoreline to teens joining themed day camps, and the island's nature-focused setting gives kids room to roam without the crowds of a more developed beach town. Kiawah's indoor options for a rainy day cluster around Night Heron Park. The Heron Park Nature Center keeps its wildlife exhibits, including native diamondback terrapins and rescued young alligators, open regardless of weather, and nearby indoor amenities add bowling, golf simulators, an arcade, and an art studio for all ages. The Nest Market & Café, also at Night Heron Park, offers indoor and covered patio seating for coffee and fresh baked goods while you wait out a storm. Beyond the park, Freshfields Village is a reliable rainy-day stop with boutique shopping, restaurants, and more. For a quieter afternoon, book ahead for treatments at the Sanctuary Spa: availability tends to fill quickly once other guests have the same idea. Kiawah Island attractions extend well beyond its events calendar. These are the most popular activities available on the island any time of year. Things to do around Kiawah Island extend just past the gates. Freshfields Village sits right outside the island, with shops, restaurants, and the bulk of Kiawah's event calendar. Charleston is about 25 miles away, a 40-minute drive that makes it easy to pair island time with a day of historic touring or a stop at For visitors weighing a longer stay, it is also worth seeing The best trips to Kiawah are the ones that turn into a tradition: the same oyster roast every summer, the same stretch of beach where the kids learn to ride the waves, a porch that already feels familiar before you have even unpacked. Owning a vacation home can make that possible, but the cost, upkeep, and scheduling of a traditional second home often get in the way of actually using it. Pacaso owners own a share, anywhere from 1/8 to 1/2, of a Explore

Retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life. Do you imagine chilling on the beach, immersing yourself in new, exciting cultures or both? Choosing a vacation home or permanent residence in another country can be stressful. This guide will help you pick the right destination to retire in, considering factors like cost of living, climate, healthcare and taxes, plus a look at where retirees are finding value both abroad and closer to home. The best places to retire generally share a few core traits: an affordable cost of living, accessible and high-quality healthcare, low crime and strong safety records, a comfortable climate, reasonable housing costs, favorable tax treatment for retirees, and a straightforward path to a retirement visa or long-term residency. Based on our scoring across cost of living, healthcare, safety, home prices, taxes, climate, and retirement visa access, these are the 15 best countries to retire in right now. Imagine sipping sangria at a local tapas bar while chatting with your neighbors until sunset. That is an average evening in Spain. Beyond the Mediterranean climate and world-class healthcare, Spain offers retirees something uniquely special: a culture that celebrates aging.  Being a "jubilado" (retiree) here means you are respected and included in community life, and the "sobremesa" tradition of lingering after meals for conversation makes it easy to build lasting friendships with locals and fellow expats. Retirees who want a European base often gravitate toward Madrid for its blend of world-class culture, walkability, and excellent healthcare. Malaysia stands out among the best countries to retire in for its mix of Eastern hospitality and Western amenities. Retirees particularly appreciate senior discounts on everything from travel to dining, and many qualify for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program, a long-stay visa route designed for retirees aged 50 and over. Its strategic location also makes it easy to explore the rest of Southeast Asia during your golden years. Portugal offers an enviable lifestyle at a surprisingly gentle price point. What sets it apart is a deeply rooted cafe culture, where you can spend hours people-watching over a pastel de nata and coffee for just a few euros. The Portuguese concept of "saudade," a loving longing for life's beautiful moments, resonates with retirees seeking meaning in their next chapter. Belgium offers a sophisticated twist on European living: start your day with world-class chocolate, spend afternoons exploring UNESCO-listed medieval towns, and end evenings sampling one of more than 1,500 unique beer varieties. Retirees value the country's central location as a home base for European travel, and its commune system ensures every neighborhood has its own distinct identity and community center. If your idea of retirement includes staying active while surrounded by dramatic scenery, New Zealand delivers. The SuperGold Card system gives seniors free off-peak public transport and discounts at thousands of businesses, and the country's tramping (hiking) culture makes it easy to join a local seniors' walking group and discover trails while building new friendships. Add New Zealand's high safety ranking, and it is one of the best foreign countries to retire in. The UAE offers retirees a unique proposition: tax-free living in a country where tradition meets a genuinely modern lifestyle. Its retirement visa grants five-year renewable residency without the need for employment, allows multiple entry, and lets retirees sponsor dependents, with eligibility based on meeting a property, savings, or income threshold. "Smart Government" digital services also let residents handle most administrative tasks from home. Mexico ranks among the easiest countries to retire to from the U.S., and for good reason. Just a short flight from major U.S. cities, The high number of English speakers and wide acceptance of U.S. dollars make the transition smoother, though healthcare needs planning: Original Medicare does not cover care in Mexico, and the Medicare Advantage plans that do are generally limited to emergency and urgent care. "Tercera edad" (third age) benefits add discounts on everything from groceries to airline tickets, and in Cabo's thriving expat community, retirees find countless organized activities, from sunset yacht cruises to desert adventure clubs, making it easy to build a social life from day one. Thailand's appeal goes far beyond its tropical climate and affordable living. In cities like Chiang Mai, retirees can join early morning tai chi groups, learn traditional crafts, or become part-time English conversation partners at local schools. The Emerald Isle offers more than stunning landscapes. Its Age Friendly Ireland program ensures communities are designed with seniors in mind, from accessible public spaces to social clubs, and the Active Retirement network organizes everything from dance classes to mystery tours. Many retirees find themselves drawn into the local storytelling tradition, whether through a writing group or a chat at the neighborhood pub. Switzerland's price tag might raise eyebrows, but its benefits make it one of the best places to retire in the world for retirees seeking a premium quality of life and genuine peace of mind as one of the safest countries anywhere. Swiss rail offers a discounted GA Travelcard for Seniors, and many museums, ski passes and cable cars extend reduced rates from age 62. Plus, many universities offer free courses to seniors. Healthcare wait times are among the world's shortest, and house calls from doctors remain common. Living "la dolce vita" takes on new meaning in Italy, consistently rated among the best places to retire outside the U.S. Each region offers its own version of retirement, from joining olive harvesting communities in Beyond afternoon tea and historic villages, Morocco extends a long-standing tax break to foreign retirees on pension income, and in cities like Fez, daily life still runs through the medina: craft workshops, neighborhood hammams, and a pace that rewards staying a while. France elevates retirement to an art form, offering more than wine and cheese, though those are excellent perks. The country's public healthcare system, Assurance Maladie, is renowned as one of the best in the world, providing universal coverage to legal residents. A "senior solidarity" program keeps retirees connected through regular community events, and many regions offer culture passes for discounted access to museums, theaters, and concerts. Whether you are exploring picturesque villages or searching for the Chile's beautiful landscapes are matched by a genuine national commitment to healthy aging, making it one of the top countries to retire in. The country's health ministry runs Más Adultos Mayores Autovalentes, a community program built around keeping older adults active and independent, and gated residential communities designed for active retirees are common outside the major cities. A growing digital nomad retiree community makes it easy to connect with fellow expats while exploring everything from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia. Not every retiree wants to relocate abroad, and the U.S. has no shortage of destinations that check the same boxes: comfortable climate, strong healthcare access, and an active, community-driven lifestyle. Among the best places to retire in the U.S., a few stand out for retirees who also want the option of a vacation home: Many of these markets are also home to some of the country's For retirees who want the lifestyle without the crowds, a few lesser-known holiday retirement locations offer the same appeal as their more famous counterparts, often at a lower cost and a slower pace: These best vacation spots for retirees tend to reward people who are willing to look slightly off the beaten path for the same climate, healthcare access, and lifestyle benefits found in better-known destinations. To determine the rankings for the 15 best countries for retirement, we developed a scoring system based on seven key factors. Each factor was selected to reflect the priorities of retirees looking for a safe, affordable, comfortable, and fulfilling retirement experience. Cost of living carried the highest weight in our rankings, as affordability is a top priority for retirees. The metric used for each country was the cost of living index sourced from Numbeo, which considers average monthly living costs like groceries, utilities, and transportation. Rent and mortgage costs were not included in this index. Access to quality healthcare is especially important for retirees, so it was assigned the second-highest weight. We sourced the healthcare index from Numbeo, which estimates the overall quality of each country's healthcare system based on professionals, equipment, staff, and costs. Living in a safe place makes retiring a more comfortable experience. Our rankings pulled from the Global Peace Index, which examines how peaceful each country is by looking at how well different groups within the country coexist, a nation's relationship with its neighbors and the global community, and internal stability and law enforcement effectiveness. Housing is a major expense for retirees, and affordability can significantly affect quality of life. To gauge housing accessibility, we sourced the average percentage of income spent on home prices in each location from Numbeo. Tax policies can significantly affect retirees' budgets. We factored in tax benefits for retirees, such as Social Security tax exemptions and sales tax for each country, and averaged these figures. A comfortable climate plays an important role in retirees' lifestyles and well-being. We used a climate index that ranked cities worldwide based on temperature and weather patterns. Countries that offer a retirement visa and make the process easy can be an important factor for retirees. Results were binary, logging countries that include retirement visas and those that do not. Retirement is the chapter you have been working toward: the one where time finally belongs to you, and the destinations that matter most become more than just places on a calendar. Maybe it is the sunny coast where you always said you would spend more time, or the European town where your family has made memories for years. But choosing where to retire also comes with real tension. Buying a home outright in a favorite destination, whether that is This is where Pacaso comes in. Pacaso allows buyers to purchase a share (1/8 to 1/2) of a Because many Pacaso homes are eligible for If you are exploring

The golf here is famous, but Palm Springs rewards the visitor who looks past the fairways. From aerial trams and desert botanical gardens to a packed festival calendar, a sharper dining scene and a wave of design-forward boutique hotels, here's a current guide to the best things to do in Palm Springs and the surrounding Coachella Valley. Palm Springs' event calendar is one of the biggest reasons people plan repeat trips rather than a single visit. A few dates are worth building a trip around: Palm Springs' dining scene spans white-tablecloth fine dining, farm-to-table restaurants and late-night cocktail spots, much of it walkable from downtown. Reservations are strongly recommended during the winter and spring high season, especially around Modernism Week and festival weekends. Palm Springs has leaned further into its boutique hotel identity in recent years, with small, design-driven properties concentrated in and around downtown, while larger resort brands cluster in neighboring Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells. For repeat visitors, the pattern is familiar: the rooms you want are hardest to get during Modernism Week and festival season, and priced accordingly. Palm Springs rewards returning. Between the golf, the architecture tours, the restaurant scene and an events calendar anchored by With Pacaso, buyers own a share, from 1/8 to 1/2, of a If you're comparing Palm Springs against other markets before deciding where to buy, see our guide to the

You've booked your flight or mapped out the road trip. The dates are set. Now comes one of the biggest decisions of any trip: where you'll actually stay. Travel accommodations can make or break a vacation, and the best option depends on your destination, your group, and how you like to travel. Here's a look at the most common types of accommodations, plus how to decide which one fits your next trip. Most travelers choose from six main categories of travel accommodations, each with a different balance of cost, service, and privacy. Hotels are the default choice for most trips. You'll find hotel accommodations in nearly every city and vacation destination, spanning a wide range of price points and amenities: Resorts and all-inclusive properties are built for a full vacation experience in one location, often with pools, spas, golf courses, and on-site activities. All-inclusive pricing covers food, drinks, and activities in a single flat rate. Bed and breakfasts are small, independently owned inns, often with the owner living on-site, offering a more personal alternative to a hotel stay. Vacation rentals cover everything from a single room in a shared apartment to a full private villa, typically booked through platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, or Vacasa. They can be a good fit when you need more room than a hotel provides or you're traveling with a group. If a specific rental platform has left you wanting something more consistent, it's worth reviewing a few A timeshare gives you ongoing access to a specific resort or hotel group, with a set number of nights available each year. This is different from every other option above, since you're purchasing repeat access rather than booking a one-off stay. For more on the mechanics, see Co-ownership is a newer category among vacation accommodations, sitting between renting and buying a second home outright. Rather than booking a stay or purchasing repeat access to a resort unit, a group of owners holds a Hotels win on consistency and service: you know roughly what you're getting no matter which property you book. Vacation rentals win on space and privacy, since you typically get a full kitchen, multiple bedrooms, and a more residential feel. The tradeoff is unpredictability.  A rental's quality depends entirely on how well the last host or property manager kept it up, which is one reason more travelers who return to the same destination repeatedly look at Co-ownership and timeshares both split the cost of a property among multiple people, but the similarities end there. With co-ownership, each owner holds a deeded share in an LLC that owns the actual home, meaning the asset can appreciate, be financed, and be resold like any other piece of real estate.  With a timeshare, you're purchasing the right to use a unit for a set period, not an ownership stake in the property itself, so there's no equity to build or sell. For a full breakdown of how the ownership structure works, see Once you're weighing more than a single trip, three of the accommodation types above become real long-term options: renting a vacation home each time you travel, buying a whole second home outright, or co-owning a second home with a small group of owners. Each comes with a different cost structure, level of commitment, and amount of hassle. We've laid out the full comparison, including a cost breakdown and a set of questions to ask yourself, in A few questions can help narrow down the best type of travel accommodations for your situation: For a lot of travelers, the destinations that come up again and again, the mountain town you ski every winter, the coastal spot your whole family keeps returning to, start to feel less like a series of trips and more like a place you belong. The friction is that booking a new hotel room or rental every time rarely matches that feeling, and buying a whole second home outright can mean carrying costs and upkeep for a property that sits empty most of the year. Pacaso allows buyers to purchase a share (1/8 to 1/2) of a Many Pacaso homes are also eligible for

Jackson Hole is the valley itself, running along the eastern foot of the Teton Range, and it has built its reputation as one of the top ski and snowboard destinations in North America. But skiing is really just the start. Between the If you only have time for a handful of Jackson Hole activities, start with these: Keep reading for the full breakdown by season, by who you're traveling with, and by what actually sets Jackson Hole apart from other mountain towns.  Winter is when Jackson Hole earns its reputation. Beyond the lifts, winter things to do in Jackson Hole include: Jackson Hole summer activities trade snow for trails, rivers and long daylight hours. Summer highs hover around 80 degrees, cool enough for hiking and warm enough for the Snake River. Part of what makes Jackson Hole such a strong home base is how much sits within an hour or two of town. A few Jackson Hole experiences are hard to find anywhere else: Jackson Hole's events calendar runs year-round, and timing a visit around one of these can shape the whole trip: Downtown Jackson centers on Town Square, framed by four elk antler arches and ringed by Western boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. It's compact enough to cover on foot in an afternoon. If you only have a few days, here's a sample itinerary that hits the highlights without feeling rushed. Settle in, then walk Jackson Town Square and its elk antler arches. Grab an early dinner downtown, catch the summer Jackson Hole Shootout reenactment on Town Square if it's running, and end the night with dinner at a downtown spot like The Wort Hotel's Silver Dollar Bar before some low-key nightlife. Start with the Jackson Hole Farmers Market, then coffee and breakfast downtown. Head to Teton Village to ride the Aerial Tram, grabbing a waffle at Corbet's Cabin at the summit. On the way back into town, stop at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Cap the day with an early dinner, a scoop from Moo's Gourmet Ice Cream, and the Jackson Hole Rodeo if it's a Wednesday or Saturday. Book an early wildlife safari through Grand Teton National Park, then brunch back in town. Spend the afternoon browsing Gaslight Alley and the shops around Town Square before heading out. Every season in Jackson Hole brings something worth coming back for: ski season one month, sleigh rides and holiday lights the next, then hiking, rodeos and music festivals all summer. Visiting once a year barely scratches the surface. Pacaso allows buyers to purchase a share (1/8 to 1/2) of a Ready to make Jackson Hole a regular part of your year instead of a once-a-year trip? Browse

With dramatic cliffs along the Pacific shoreline and a network of canyons carved into the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu has some of the most varied terrain in Southern California. Whether you want a flat, half-hour stroll or a steep push to a mountain summit, these are the best hikes in Malibu, organized by what you're looking for: easy trails, waterfalls, ocean views, a real challenge and dog-friendly options. If you're looking for short hikes in Malibu that don't require much elevation gain, these two trails are the most popular starting points. Corral Canyon Loop is a 2.5-mile loop in Corral Canyon Park with a gradual climb, ocean and canyon views and a firebreak spur about 1.5 miles in that opens up to a vista stretching from Point Dume to Palos Verdes. The trail can be overgrown in spots, so long pants are worth wearing. Parking is available in the trailhead lot off Pacific Coast Highway for a small fee (historically $5 to $12), or along PCH itself where signage allows. The lot sits right next to Malibu Seafood, making it easy to combine the hike with lunch. This 1.3-mile loop in the Point Dume Natural Preserve climbs a bluff-top sand dune to an overlook with sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay, and Catalina Island on a clear day. It's one of the best Malibu beach hikes for spotting migrating gray whales between December and April. Parking is available at the Westward Beach Road lot for a fee, and it fills quickly on weekends, so plan to arrive early. Dogs are not permitted on the preserve's trails. Escondido Falls Trail is the definitive Malibu waterfall hike: an easy, dog-friendly, 3.8-mile round trip that begins near Pacific Coast Highway and follows a single path through wildflower fields, sage and small stream crossings. The lower tier of the falls is 50 feet high and easy to reach. The upper tier requires a steep, unmaintained scramble that crosses private land, and access has been restricted at times. The lower falls are the intended destination.  For anyone searching for Escondido Falls Malibu specifically, the falls run strongest after winter rain, typically January through March, though the hike itself is scenic year-round. Parking is available for a fee at the Winding Way lot, and expect company on the trail since it's one of the most popular in Malibu. These two trails are among the best Malibu hikes with ocean views, and neither requires a technical climb to earn the payoff. Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, Solstice Canyon Loop is a roughly 2.6- to 3-mile loop popular for its shaded canyon terrain and coastal payoff. Along the way, you'll pass the ruins of the mid-century Roberts Ranch house and the historic Keller stone cabin, plus a seasonal waterfall that flows after winter rain. The return leg via the Rising Sun Trail opens up to ocean views before descending back to the trailhead. Leashed dogs are welcome on the main trail (though not permitted at the waterfall itself), and parking at the Corral Canyon Road trailhead is free but limited, so early mornings are best. At 5.4 miles round trip with about 1,390 feet of elevation change, Zuma Ridge Trail is a moderate fire-road hike with ocean and mountain views for nearly the entire route. It's less trafficked than Malibu's beach-adjacent trails, and horses are a common sight.  Zuma Canyon has an entire system of trails managed by the National Park Service, so it's easy to shorten the hike or extend it toward Encinal Canyon Road. There are no restrooms or water along the way, and dogs are welcome. Parking at the Busch Drive trailhead is free. For hikers looking for real elevation gain, these two options sit just beyond Malibu's edges and count among the best Malibu state park hiking and Santa Monica Mountains routes in the area. This 6.1-mile loop climbs to Sandstone Peak, the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains at 3,111 feet, with roughly 1,500 feet of elevation gain. Along the way, you'll pass Balanced Rock, an optional spur to Tri-Peaks and Inspiration Point, which looks straight out to the ocean.  The trail is exposed with little shade, so cooler months or early mornings are best. Dogs aren't allowed. Parking is free in the dirt lot off Yerba Buena Road, though it fills up fast on weekends; a second, overflow lot sits about a mile down the same road. Located in Point Mugu State Park, Mugu Peak Trail is a steep, sun-exposed route of about 6.5 miles round trip (shorter loop options exist) with roughly 1,225 feet of elevation gain. It's one of the best hikes near Malibu for hikers chasing a true summit: the peak is marked with an American flag and offers 360-degree views of the Pacific, the Santa Monica Mountains and, on clear days, the Channel Islands.  Dogs aren't permitted. An $8 vehicle fee is charged to park at the La Jolla Canyon day-use area, though free roadside parking is sometimes available along Pacific Coast Highway just outside the park. If you're specifically looking for dog friendly Malibu hikes, stick to these four: Solstice Canyon Loop, Zuma Ridge Trail, Corral Canyon Loop and Escondido Falls Trail all welcome leashed dogs on the main trail. Point Dume Cove Trail, Sandstone Peak via Mishe Mokwa Trail, Mugu Peak Trail and Parker Mesa Overlook all prohibit dogs to protect fragile coastal habitat or bluff and preserve terrain, so plan accordingly if you're hiking with a pup. Trading a rental car for a set of house keys changes the way you experience Malibu's trails. Instead of squeezing a hike into a single day trip, you can head out the door for a sunrise summit at Sandstone Peak or an easy evening loop at Solstice Canyon, then come home to relax without racing a checkout time.  Popular second-home neighborhoods like Malibu Colony, Point Dume and Carbon Beach put many of these trailheads within a short drive, and having a Home Manager on call means the house is ready every time you arrive, no matter how sandy your hiking boots get. Pacaso allows buyers to purchase a share (1/8 to 1/2) of a

Home swapping used to be a modest, do-it-yourself arrangement. In the 1950s and 1960s, groups of American teachers with long summer breaks and tight budgets traded homes with colleagues using hand-typed lists that eventually grew into printed catalogues. Digitization changed everything: the launch of dedicated exchange platforms in the early 1990s, followed decades later by a popular holiday romance film centered on a home swap, pushed the idea into the mainstream. Today's version looks nothing like a casual favor between friends. A luxury home exchange applies that same underlying idea, trading stays instead of paying for them, to a much higher tier of real estate. Owners of second homes worth millions of dollars are increasingly treating their properties as an asset that can unlock stays elsewhere, not just a place that sits empty most of the year. One widely cited industry estimate puts vacant second homes in the U.S. alone at around 15 million, a scale of underutilization that has made exchange programs increasingly attractive to owners who want more use out of a property they already own. Most luxury home exchange programs follow a similar structure, even if the details vary by platform: The mechanics behind how a home exchange works can differ in one important way: whether it's a direct swap or a reciprocal, points-based system. Some vacation home exchange programs require both parties to travel around the same time. Others let members earn credit by hosting and spend it later, which removes the scheduling constraint entirely and makes it easier to plan an international vacation home exchange without both households needing matching availability. Is home exchange safe is the first question most owners of expensive vacation homes ask, and it's a fair one. Inviting a stranger into a multimillion-dollar property, and staying in someone else's, involves a level of trust that a hotel booking never requires.  The risk is real: owners have reported listings with misleading photos, properties that didn't match what was advertised, and mismatched expectations between homes of very different standards. In many cases, owners also have valuables or personal belongings in the home which carries its own level of risk, as well as a layer of differentiation to the overarching experience.  The luxury home exchange programs that hold up best share a few traits: This is also the main argument for a private home exchange over an open marketplace. A curated, invite-only network shrinks the pool to owners who genuinely have comparable homes and comparable standards, which is a large part of what separates the best luxury home exchange site from a general-purpose swap platform. A few things set Pacaso Infinity apart from other luxury home exchange programs: This model is what drew the Financial Times, which recently profiled Infinity by Pacaso in a feature on home swapping among high-value property owners. Here's a closer look at The result is an exchange model for luxury properties that looks less like a rental marketplace and more like a members' club, where access is earned through ownership rather than purchased through a nightly rate. Infinity charges a one-time initiation fee of $100,000, which covers five years of access to the network. That structure is designed to keep membership intentionally limited and to signal that everyone in the exchange is a serious, invested owner rather than someone testing the waters.  In exchange, members can offer their home for a minimum of 14 days (two stays) per year and browse the full portfolio on a rolling 24-month calendar to plan swaps well in advance. It's worth comparing that structure to the cost of simply renting equivalent properties.  A seven-bedroom luxury villa in a destination like Tuscany can run tens of thousands of dollars a week during peak season. For an owner who already has a comparable home sitting vacant most of the year, trading access rather than paying market rental rates changes the math considerably, especially across multiple trips over a decade of membership. Infinity's collection spans some of the world's most sought-after second-home markets, including St. Barths, Tuscany, Mexico City, Ibiza, Paris, Verbier, Napa Valley, and New York City, with new homes added regularly. That mix makes it a genuine international vacation home exchange rather than a program concentrated in one region, and it's part of why a vacation home exchange in Europe appeals to U.S.-based owners just as much as European ones. Because the network prioritizes architecture, location, and character over sheer size, the destinations tend to skew toward places where a design-forward or historically significant property carries as much weight as square footage. That's a deliberate contrast to home exchange luxury programs that simply raise the price floor without changing the vetting standard. Membership is invitation-only and reserved for owners of a $5 million to $20 million vacation home in a desirable location. Beyond the price point, Pacaso looks for owners who understand the responsibility of managing a property at that level and who are willing to offer at least two weeks of access per year in exchange for the same from other members. Because slots are capped, not every qualifying home is accepted immediately. Applicants go through an individual review that includes property photography and details, similar in spirit to the diligence Pacaso applies across its A luxury home exchange makes the most sense for owners who already feel the tension of a property that costs a fortune to maintain but sits empty far more than it's used. Exchanging homes turns that underused asset into a way to experience more of the world, staying in a fully furnished home with local knowledge built in, rather than a hotel room.  As one Infinity member has put it, seeing another family's home up close felt less like a typical trip and more like being welcomed into someone else's life. “People are afraid to home swap because they think people will wreck their houses, but I've had the opposite experience," That's the psychological shift Pacaso is building toward. As Pacaso co-founder Austin Allison put it in the Financial Times, "Renters treat homes like renters. Owners treat homes like owners." A luxury home exchange is built for a specific kind of owner: someone who already holds full title to a $5 million or more vacation home and wants more out of it than the weeks they personally use.  Infinity owners who are accepted to the platform also gain access to Pacaso’s portfolio of co-owned homes, which is a differentiator when compared to other home swap platforms because Pacaso homes are unrentable: the only way to access and enjoy them is by being accepted into Infinity.    In return, they gain access to equally extraordinary homes around the world, the chance to live like a local somewhere entirely new, and a way to finally put an underused property to work instead of letting it sit empty most of the year. It's a shift in mindset as much as anything: treating a second home as something to be shared with intention, the way an owner would, rather than let go to waste. If that's you, the next step is simple.

Telluride sits at the end of a box canyon in Colorado's San Juan Mountains, known for two things above all: the skiing, and a downtown that still looks like the 1880s silver mining camp it started as. The town is just eight blocks wide, ringed by peaks that top 13,000 and 14,000 feet, and connected to the resort hub of Mountain Village by the only free public gondola transit system in the United States.  Beyond the slopes, Telluride has built a reputation as a festival town, drawing film, music and arts crowds throughout the summer and early fall, and as a low-key alternative to bigger-name Colorado resorts, with fewer lift lines and a smaller year-round population of around 2,600 residents. Beyond the lifts, winter activities in Telluride include: After the lifts close, apres-ski in Telluride ranges from lively bars near the gondola to quiet nights in front of a fireplace. Owning a home base here means your own post-ski ritual, season after season: boots off at your door, fire already going. Summer is when Telluride trades snow for alpine lakes, wildflowers and long daylight hours. Daytime highs typically run from the mid-60s to around 80 degrees, with wildflowers peaking from late June through mid-July. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August, so mornings tend to be the best window for lake time and high-alpine trails.  Top summer activities include: If you're weighing Telluride against another Rockies destination for a summer trip, see how it stacks up in the FAQ section below. Fall in Telluride runs roughly from mid-September through October, when the aspen groves across the San Juan Mountains turn gold and the summer crowds thin out considerably. It's one of the best times to visit for travelers who want the scenery without the peak-season pace: cooler air, quieter trails and some of the best light of the year for photography.  Horseback riding is a signature fall activity, with guided rides along aspen-lined trails and historic ranches outside town. Hiking and mountain biking remain in play through most of the season, though nights get cold quickly at Telluride's 8,750-foot elevation, so pack layers. Telluride festivals are one of the town's defining features, and its lively calendar is a major reason travelers plan trips around specific weekends rather than just a season. The best-known is the The festival roughly triples the town's population for the weekend, with a mix of public screenings, Q&A sessions with directors and actors, and invitation-only events. Telluride's broader festival lineup also includes music, arts and outdoor-film events spread across the summer, making late June through Labor Day the fullest stretch on the town’s calendar. Owning a home base in or near Mountain Village makes festival weekends far easier to navigate: you have a private, fully furnished place a short walk from the gondola; somewhere to host friends, unwind between screenings and start early the next morning. Telluride's compact downtown and mix of low-key, family-friendly activities make it an easy destination for a multigenerational trip.  Things to do in Telluride with kids include: Beyond the seasonal highlights, a few Telluride attractions are worth building a day around no matter when you visit: The best time to visit Telluride depends entirely on what you want out of the trip: For most first-time visitors weighing summer against winter, the honest answer is that Telluride rewards a repeat-visit approach more than a single "best" season, since the town genuinely transforms from one quarter to the next. Where to stay in Telluride generally comes down to two options: the historic downtown or Mountain Village. Downtown Telluride puts you within walking distance of Main Street's shops, restaurants and the Arts District, with an Old West architectural feel that dates back to the town's mining-camp origins.  Mountain Village, connected by the free gondola, sits closer to the ski lifts and offers a more resort-style layout with easy access to golf, dining and Mountain Village's own events calendar.  For visitors who plan to return often, whether for ski season, summer hiking or festival weekends, For a town this small, Telluride offers an outsized range of things to do across every season, which is exactly why so many visitors start thinking about returning year after year rather than planning one trip at a time.  Pacaso allows buyers to purchase a share (1/8 to 1/2) of a Owners also gain access to If you're picturing first tracks on opening weekend, a festival weekend basecamp or quiet fall mornings with the aspens turning gold, explore

Punta de Mita sits at the northern tip of Banderas Bay, about 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta and its international airport. The peninsula is known for warm, consistent weather, a long stretch of surf breaks, and a mix of low key fishing village charm alongside high end resorts like the St. Regis and Four Seasons Punta Mita. Average temperatures run from the mid 70s to mid 80s year round, which makes nearly any month a reasonable time for a Punta de Mita vacation. Unlike busier parts of the Riviera Nayarit, Punta de Mita has kept a smaller scale feel. Most of the things to do in Punta de Mita center on the water: surfing, boat trips, golf along the coastline, and easy beach days that do not require driving far from wherever you are staying. El Anclote is the most accessible beach in town, with calm water that suits beginner surfers and families, plus a row of casual seafood restaurants right on the sand. It is also the launch point for most boat trips heading out to the Marietas Islands. Visiting the Marietas Islands and hidden beach typically requires booking a licensed tour operator, since access is limited to protect the surrounding reef and bird colonies. Mornings tend to have calmer water and smaller crowds. For things to do in Punta de Mita for couples, start with a sunset dinner at one of the beach clubs along El Anclote, which overlooks the water from a dramatic rock formation. A half day boat trip to the Marietas Islands also makes for a memorable outing, combining snorkeling with the hidden beach. Between December and March, whale watching tours add another option: humpback whales migrate through Banderas Bay during these months, and several local operators run small group tours that pair well with a quiet lunch back on shore. Couples looking for a slower pace can also book a round at one of the peninsula's golf courses, many of which welcome non-members for a fee. El Anclote's calm, shallow water makes it the easiest beach in the area for younger kids, and several surf schools in town offer beginner lessons that work well for families. The protected swim area also means parents can relax while kids practice standing up on a board. For things to do in Punta de Mita with kids beyond the beach, look at: Several of the best free things to do in Punta de Mita simply involve time on the sand or in town. Walking El Anclote beach, watching the sunset from the point at the end of the beach, and browsing the open air shops and food stalls in the town plaza all cost nothing beyond what you choose to spend on food or souvenirs. Surfers can also paddle out at public access points without booking a lesson, and several of the area's beach clubs allow visitors to walk through public stretches of sand even if the lounge areas themselves are reserved for guests or members. Golf is one of the defining things to do in Punta de Mita, with two well known courses anchoring the peninsula. The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort sits nearby and offers easy access to both courses for guests and outside players, along with its own beach club and spa. Tee times during peak winter months book up quickly, so reserving a few weeks ahead is worth it if golf is the main reason for your trip. The town of Punta de Mita is small and walkable, centered around a plaza a few blocks from El Anclote beach. Shopping in Punta de Mita leans toward independent boutiques selling beachwear, jewelry and local crafts rather than large retail chains, and weekend evenings often bring a small market with handmade goods. Punta de Mita restaurants range from casual palapa style spots serving fresh ceviche and grilled fish along the beach to higher end options inside the resorts. A few worth building a day around: After a few visits, many travelers start comparing the cost of repeat hotel stays to Every Pacaso home comes fully furnished and If you are weighing whether to buy in Mexico altogether, our guide to Ready to picture mornings on El Anclote and evenings at the plaza as a regular part of your year? Explore Pacaso’s current

Home to centuries of culture and a wide range of distinct neighborhoods, London offers a way of living you won't find replicated anywhere else. Whether you're searching for a permanent base, a vacation home, or a co-ownership stake in one of the world's most celebrated cities, this guide covers the best places to live in London across every part of the capital — organized by area, with insider tips drawn from London locals. Chelsea is one of the most desirable One of the best ways to explore Chelsea is by foot. Grab a coffee and wander the streets lined with colorful buildings and preserved mews. Stop into For dining, Mayfair sits at the very heart of London's luxury scene. Its Georgian townhouses, tree-lined streets, and world-class dining make it one of the most prestigious addresses in the city. Shop the high-end boutiques on Start your morning at Later, unwind at the Tucked between Buckingham Palace and the River Thames, Belgravia is one of London's most refined and exclusive neighborhoods. Its Regency-style stucco facades, private garden squares, and whisper-quiet streets give it a more intimate feel than its flashier neighbors. It's an ideal base for those who want prestige and proximity to Hyde Park and Sloane Square without the bustle of Knightsbridge or the West End. Start your morning with a stroll through Belgrave Square Garden, a manicured private garden that offers a moment of calm from the city's energy. Visit For dining, Kensington is quintessentially London — royal history, world-class museums, and elegant Victorian architecture all within walking distance of each other. Marylebone occupies a sweet spot between Regent's Park and Oxford Street, with a village-like atmosphere that feels worlds away from the bustle just outside its borders. Georgian architecture lines the streets, and Marylebone High Street delivers some of London's best independent boutiques and restaurants. The world-renowned Notting Hill's pastel-colored townhouses, lively markets, and creative energy have made it one of the most beloved neighborhoods in West London. Begin your morning at Camden is one of the best places to live in north London for those drawn to music, markets, and an energetic street scene. Famous markets including Shoreditch is one of the best places to live in east London for those who thrive in a creative, fast-paced environment. Once a working-class district, it's now a global hub for tech, fashion, and street art. Colorful murals line the walls of Brick Lane, and venues like Hackney is one of east London's most vibrant boroughs, known for its multicultural community and thriving independent scene. It has evolved from its working-class origins into a destination for young professionals, families, and creatives. Enjoy live music at London Fields is an East London neighborhood with a relaxed, community-focused energy. Once a working-class area, it now draws a mix of young professionals, artists, and families who appreciate its independent cafes, the year-round heated Clapham is one of the best places to live in south west London for young professionals and families alike. Bermondsey is one of south London's most compelling neighborhoods, transformed from an industrial leather-tanning district into a food, arts, and culture destination. Greenwich is one of the best places to live in south east London, defined by its extraordinary maritime heritage and sweeping green spaces. The Wandsworth is a multicultural south west London neighborhood with deep historical roots dating to Anglo-Saxon times. It blends urban energy with green space, from riverside walks along the Thames to Battersea Park, and it consistently ranks as one of the lowest-council-taxed boroughs in London. Its proximity to both Clapham and Chelsea gives residents easy access to two of the city's best dining and nightlife scenes. Wimbledon is famous as the home of the world's oldest tennis tournament, but it's the everyday quality of life that makes it one of the best places to live in Greater London. The neighborhood has a village-like feel centered on Wimbledon Village, with independent shops, pubs, and cafes. London is one of the most sought-after second home destinations in the world for good reason. Its culture, global connectivity, and long-term property market resilience make it an exceptional base for international owners. Here's what to know before buying. There are no legal restrictions preventing non-residents or foreign nationals from buying property in London. The UK remains one of the more accessible international property markets. That said, overseas buyers should plan for two additional costs: a 2% Stamp Duty Land Tax surcharge for non-UK residents, on top of the standard second home surcharge. For a full breakdown of the buying process, read our guide to Second home buyers in the UK face a 5% SDLT surcharge on top of standard rates, and non-resident buyers face an additional 2% on top of that. On a £1 million London property, these surcharges can add tens of thousands to the total cost. For a detailed breakdown, see our guide to For a second home, Mayfair, Chelsea, and Belgravia are the most established prime London postcodes, offering long-term capital resilience and unmatched prestige. Notting Hill and Kensington are strong alternatives for buyers who want character alongside luxury. Shoreditch and Hackney attract buyers seeking capital growth in inner east London. For a full breakdown of the most exclusive areas, see our guide to the Pacaso's model is particularly well-suited to London because it handles the complexities that can make Pacaso currently offers co-ownership homes in London's most exclusive postcodes: