Top second homes in Aspen, Tahoe, Napa and Carmel

Second homes: Aspen, Tahoe, Napa & Carmel

Choosing between second homes in Aspen, Lake Tahoe, Napa and Carmel comes down to the life you want at your doorstep. Ski culture and galleries in Aspen, year-round alpine living on Tahoe's water and trails, vineyard days in Napa, and coastal walks in Carmel each offer distinct appeal. For 2026, we compare market dynamics, lifestyle highlights and how Pacaso co-ownership can put you in the right home, in the right place, without compromise.

Aspen market snapshot and lifestyle

A breathtaking mountain sunset over Aspen, Colorado, with lush spring greenery and the town nestled in the valley below. This visually stunning scene captures the allure and natural beauty of a luxury mountain destination, making it ideal for travelers planning a spring ski getaway.

Ski days that roll into chic nights are the Aspen rhythm. If you want walkability to town with privacy, explore Aspen & Snowmass to see how curated inventory of Aspen luxury homes meets that lifestyle.Aspen Grove sits on a quiet cul-de-sac near the Roaring Fork River footbridge, with cathedral-ceiling living, multiple decks and a rooftop hot tub for mountain-view evenings after a powder day.

Aspen Grove places you close to town and trails, showcasing how Aspen luxury homes combine privacy, design and immediate access to four-mountain skiing.

Fall color drives and winter dawn patrols are part of the Aspen cadence, with culture and dining to match. If Aspen is calling, explore Pacaso's Aspen destination to see more luxury homes, and discover why the valley stays at the top of many buyers' lists.

Lake Tahoe market snapshot and lifestyle

A photo of Lake Tahoe, California, one of the most romantic fall getaways.

From morning ski laps to summer boating, Tahoe's rhythm is active and social. Browse Lake Tahoe luxury homes that serve as a year-round base for the water, the slopes and laid-back dinners in the pines.Edgewood offers a remodeled great room opening to a lake-facing deck and hot tub, with filtered views that frame four-season living on Tahoe's West Shore.

Edgewood's deck and hot tub underscore how Lake Tahoe luxury homes blend indoor-outdoor living with quick access to trails, marinas and ski terrain.

A clear shoreline, granite boulders and tall pines define the Tahoe look, making lakeside luxury homes on the lake's edge a compelling choice for active owners and effortless hosting. Explore more Lake Tahoe homes to find the views and access that suit your lifestyle.

Napa market snapshot and wine country living

A stunning aerial view of a vineyard in Sonoma, CA, with vibrant autumn colors, rolling hills, and clear blue skies, perfectly capturing the picturesque wine country atmosphere that defines the summer festival season in Napa Valley.

Days in the vines, evenings around the table and curated tastings define Napa vacation homes. For access to favorite AVAs and dining, explore Napa Valley and see how these properties align with your wine country rhythm.As a Pacaso home in Napa, Grove pairs a grand great room and chef's kitchen with expansive decks and a pool, ideal for hosting friends after a day of tastings in Coombsville.

Grove in Napa's Coombsville pairs indoor-outdoor living with a pool, spa and wine cellar, ideal for wine country living near top tasting rooms.

Carmel market snapshot and coastal culture

A photo of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, one of the most romantic fall getaways.

Sunset beach walks and Pebble Beach tee times make Carmel vacation homes a draw for buyers who value an intimate town and coastal privacy. When you're ready to explore, start with Carmel & Pebble Beach.Dolores brings an airy layout, fireplaces and a guest house just steps from the sand and village shops, a strong fit if you're focused on walkable coastal living as part of your second home lifestyle.

Dolores highlights Carmel second homes at their best, with light-filled interiors and a guest house near the beach and village dining.

How co-ownership gives you access to second homes

Pacaso co-ownership structures ownership into professionally managed shares of a fully furnished home, so you secure the time you want in a premier location while aligning cost with actual use. Whether you’re comparing Aspen luxury homes, Lake Tahoe luxury homes, Napa vacation homes or Carmel vacation homes, co-ownership provides a direct path to the lifestyle, with dedicated ownership in a real home you’ll return to again and again.

Pros and cons by destination

Aspen

Pros: World-class skiing and dining; strong walkability; rare inventory supports long-term desirability.
Cons: Entry pricing among the highest; strict building limits reduce flexibility for major rebuilds.

Lake Tahoe

Pros: Four-season recreation on water and snow; multiple distinct shores to match lifestyle; growing demand at the high end.
Cons: Prime lakefronts are competitive; winter travel can add complexity for last-minute trips.

Napa

Pros: Culinary and winery access in a compact drive radius; broad mix of neighborhoods and price points; ideal for hosting.
Cons: Peak-season reservations require planning; some submarkets show longer days on market.

Carmel

Pros: Walkable village, beaches and golf; limited coastal inventory supports desirability; refined dining and arts scene.
Cons: Premium pricing near the water; compact lot sizes compared with inland markets.

Find your fit for 2026

Ready to compare second homes side by side and choose your base for the year ahead? Explore current listings in Napa Valley and Carmel & Pebble Beach, then run your numbers with our Second Home Calculator. New to co-ownership? Start with What is co-ownership, and see top locales in Best places for a second home.Note: This article was generated with the help of an AI agent and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and clarity.

Top second homes in Aspen, Tahoe, Napa, and Carmel