Unique vacation homes with iconic design in top destinations

Unique vacation homes in four iconic markets

Architecture shapes the way you live in a place. From desert modernism to Mediterranean coastal design, these destinations deliver unique vacation homes that express their landscapes and histories. Pacaso co-ownership gives you easy access to design-forward homes in Palm Springs, Miami, Carmel and Santa Barbara, so you can spend more time enjoying the setting and less time managing a second home.

What defines unique vacation homes by design

Each market has a signature vocabulary. Look for the details that make your stays memorable, then choose a base that brings those moments closer.

Clean lines and glass for indoor outdoor living in the desert and tropics
Historic references like Spanish Colonial Revival and Art Deco
Natural materials that ground oceanfront and hillside settings
Layouts that prioritize entertaining and effortless everyday flow

Palm Springs modernism in the desert

Poolside color and palms against mountain backdrops capture Palm Springs desert modernism and the easy outdoor lifestyle.

Mid century masters put Palm Springs on the global design map. Richard Neutra's Kaufmann Desert House distilled horizontal planes and glass into a desert icon, while John Lautner's Elrod House showcased daring geometry and sweeping indoor outdoor transitions. E Stewart Williams' Twin Palms tied it all to a glamorous social scene. Modernism Week now draws design lovers each year for tours, talks and open houses. If you want the spirit of Palm Springs luxury homes at your doorstep, see current Palm Springs listings.Bel Air in Palm Desert channels the Palm Springs ethos with broad overhangs, sliding glass and a resort style yard that frames the Santa Rosa Mountains. It is a private base for golf mornings, gallery walks and poolside evenings that celebrate desert modern living.

Bel Air in Palm Desert expresses desert modern living with indoor outdoor flow and mountain views, an ideal base for exploring Palm Springs design and culture.

Miami’s tropical design vocabulary

Miami skyline and waterfront views highlight the city's blend of architecture, art and open air living.

Miami is a study in stylistic range. Art Deco’s curves and pastel hues shape South Beach heritage, while MiMo brings playful geometry, breeze blocks and glass. Mediterranean Revival adds stucco, arches and red tile across classic neighborhoods. Elements of Bahamian conch houses persist in wood construction and cross ventilation details in historic areas. For a waterfront base to explore Miami vacation homes and culture and discover unique vacation homes that reflect the city, browse Miami listings.Venetian sits on coveted Di Lido Island with a restrained palette, multiple terraces and a lap pool that fits the indoor outdoor rhythm Miami is known for. Owners enjoy a refined base for design walks, gallery previews and sunset cruises.

Venetian on Di Lido Island reflects Miami's modern coastal language with clean lines, terraces and lush landscaping near top culture and dining.

Carmel’s coastal architecture with character

A scenic coastal path in Carmel, CA, bordered by lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers, leading towards the ocean under a clear blue sky. This image captures the allure and natural beauty of Carmel, making it an appealing destination for buyers seeking a luxury vacation home in a trending market.

Carmel shows range from storybook cottages to dramatic modernism on the cliffs. Hugh Comstock's fairy tale cottages add charm in town, while the oceanfront Butterfly House and Frank Lloyd Wright's Mrs. Clinton Walker House emphasize sculptural forms and site sensitive design. The region also showcases the Third Bay Tradition, a playful, wood forward take on modern California architecture. To explore Carmel vacation homes with world class views and materials, see Carmel & Pebble Beach listings.Hillside pairs glass lined living spaces with warm wood and stone, framing Pacific views for fireside evenings and sunny mornings on the terrace.

Hillside captures Carmel's modern coastal spirit with cantilevered spaces, natural materials, and panoramic ocean views for relaxed entertaining.

Santa Barbara's Spanish revival legacy

An aerial view of a Santa Barbara coastal area featuring a prominent pier, expansive ocean, and scenic mountains, perfectly illustrating how elite home design captures and frames breathtaking views.

Santa Barbara blends Spanish Colonial Revival elegance with coastal ease. Casa del Herrero in Montecito stands as a National Historic Landmark, while the Rafael Gonzalez House preserves early adobe craft. Contemporary designers continue the tradition with thoughtful updates, seen in projects like the Quarry House. If Spanish accents and ocean air call to you, explore Santa Barbara vacation homes and browse Santa Barbara & Montecito listings.

How Pacaso supports a design forward lifestyle

Pacaso aligns ownership with how you use your home, so you can enjoy architecture and location without the burden of full time management.

Own the amount you will use, with the ability to enjoy peak seasons
Professionally designed and furnished homes that reflect each market’s aesthetic
Dedicated management, care and local support so your time stays focused on living
Streamlined scheduling and consistent standards across markets for effortless escapes

Find your design match

Ready to tour unique vacation homes that fit your style, from luxury homes in Palm Springs to waterfront retreats in Miami and Carmel vacation homes with ocean views to Santa Barbara vacation homes with Spanish detailing. Start by exploring destination listings, then learn how co-ownership works and what it can unlock for your travel calendar. Browse Carmel & Pebble Beach and Santa Barbara & Montecito. Get clarity with our Second Home Calculator, understand the model in What is co-ownership, and compare your options in Pros and cons of fractional ownership.Note: This article was generated with the help of an AI agent and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and clarity.