10 family day trips from Palm Springs

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:

Santa Barbara earns its nickname, the "American Riviera," every single day. Backed by the rugged Santa Ynez Mountains and facing the Pacific Ocean, the city enjoys roughly 300 days of sunshine annually and a mild Mediterranean climate that makes outdoor activities possible year-round. Its iconic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture — white stucco walls, red clay tile roofs, arched doorways — gives downtown a cinematic quality you won't find anywhere else on the California coast. But what truly sets Santa Barbara apart is how much it packs into a relatively compact city. Within an afternoon, you can go from hiking a mountain trail to tasting award-winning wines in the Funk Zone to watching the sun sink over the Pacific from Butterfly Beach. Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, a family trip, or a solo escape, the activities, dining, and natural beauty here more than justify the visit, or the stay. Santa Barbara's outdoor scene is one of its greatest strengths. The mountains and the ocean bracket the city on both sides, giving visitors an unusual range of activities within easy reach of downtown. Santa Barbara's beaches stretch for miles along the waterfront, and each has its own character. One quirk worth knowing: because of the curve of the California coastline, most Santa Barbara beaches actually face south rather than west, which means sunsets over the water are best viewed from specific spots. Santa Barbara County is one of California's most acclaimed wine regions, and unlike Napa or Sonoma, much of the tasting experience is right in the heart of the city. Santa Barbara's dining scene punches well above its size. The city's access to fresh Pacific seafood, Central Coast produce, and local wines gives chefs an exceptional pantry to work with, and several restaurants have earned regional and national recognition for it. Santa Barbara has a rich cultural life that often surprises first-time visitors. Its arts institutions are world-class, its architecture is worth exploring in its own right, and its performing arts calendar runs year-round. Romance is almost built into Santa Barbara's DNA: the warm light, the wine, the dramatic sunsets, the unhurried pace. Here are the experiences that consistently stand out for couples. Santa Barbara is an excellent family destination. The compact, walkable downtown, the mild weather, and the range of engaging attractions make it easy to keep children of all ages happy. Santa Barbara has a handful of experiences you won't find anywhere else that are worth seeking out on any visit. Santa Barbara's location makes it an ideal base for exploring a wider stretch of the California coast. Several excellent day trips are within easy reach. Spending a weekend in Santa Barbara is one thing. Having your own home base here that you can return to whenever you’d like is another. That's where Santa Barbara has long attracted second home buyers for its beaches, wine country access, arts scene, and near-perfect weather. The challenge has always been the price of entry: quality homes in desirable neighborhoods like the Riviera, The Mesa, and Mission Canyon command significant prices, and full sole ownership means paying for a property you may only use a fraction of the year. Pacaso allows buyers to purchase a share (1/8 to 1/2) of a For a destination with as many things to do in Santa Barbara as this one, having your own home base changes the experience entirely. You're not rushing through a checklist; you're building a rhythm. Sunday mornings at the farmers market, afternoons on the Cabrillo Bike Path, evenings in the Funk Zone. Over time, Santa Barbara stops being a place you visit and starts being a place you belong. Browse