When you think of some of the most popular tourist and travel destinations in the United States, there are a few states that come to mind right away. Florida, California, and Hawaii all have the beaches, the ocean, the typical sunshine activities, for starters. But what about a place as big and diverse as Texas?

It’s not a typical destination, but consider that the range of activities there can rival any other place. So if you do decide that Texas interests you, there are a few tips you can follow to get the most out of your journey, including looking at real estate to get a vibe on an area, checking out museums, reading about Texas history, thinking about travel requirements for going to the state, and paying attention to the weather.

Look at Real Estate

One tip for heading to tourist destinations that helps a lot of people gauge the general feel of an area is to look at real estate near where you’re going to travel to. For instance, if you’re headed to Austin, one of the best destination is Texas, you can check out real estate in Round Rock, a city just to the northeast. You can see the gorgeous homes and the beautiful environment, and key into the basic landscape of the area you’re going to be traveling to. This is definitely a pro tip for seasoned travelers, as it avoids many of the gimmicks of tourist advertising.

Check Out Museums

Going to museums in Texas during a stay there is an absolute must. The history is incredibly rich, and the museums, especially in the bigger cities, offer you a perspective that you’re unable to get anywhere else with the same degree of hands-and-eyes-on functionality of being there in person. Before it’s time to head out and hit the nightlife, the museums can really help you dig into the historical perspective of the state.

Read the History

And with the idea of museums and history in mind, another great way to appreciate your stay in Texas more is to read a bit about its history. There are some famous stories surrounding classic events like at the Alamo, but the several hundreds years of history ranging from Native Americans to Mexicans to modern people is one of the more fascinating things to connect with the order of the past, to the existence of the present.

Consider State and National Travel Requirements

Like every state, Texas has its own requirements as far as identification and licensing and all of that. If you’re coming in from out of the country, be aware of passport requirements. If you’re just heading in from out of state, be sure to understand laws regarding driving, traffic, identification, and even weapons laws, as Texas conditions can be a bit different.

Pay Attention To the Weather

And finally, there are both good and bad times to visit Texas with regard to weather. It’s hot and muggy most of the year, but there are also times for really nasty storms, so you want to be prepared depending on the season.