My husband and I (from NY) are thinking about taking a 3-day trip to Houston for our anniversary. We love the outdoors and beautiful scenery. It's a toss up right now between Houston and Denver (and maybe even Dallas).

What do you think... is this a good time for a visit?

What would you recommend doing/seeing?

Thanks in advance for your help!!!

I don't see when you are coming, but Houston is usually worth visiting in November and March. At those times, it's usually green when other places are brown. I think it's too hot from mid-April to mid-October. December and January can feel really cold, although it rarely freezes. Azaleas and other flowers are blooming there in March and early April.

People will say there isn't beautiful scenery in Houston, but I like the gardens at Bayou Bend, and the swamps at Brazos Bend State Park, among other places. At Brazos Bend, you can see all kinds of birds, and usually alligators. It has a prehistoric feel to it. Rice University and the older neighborhoods nearby are especially lovely in March.

Look, I live in Houston, and while I think it's an OK place to live -- lots of choices for entertainment, restaurants, museums, etc. -- I certainly would NOT pick Houston for a vacation spot if I wanted beautiful scenery! Neither would I pick Dallas. Palo Duro Canyon or Big Bend might be what you're looking for.

Denver makes sense if you plan to leave soon. Otherwise, you'd probably be better off picking some place closer to home, maybe in the Carolinas or Virginia.

I concur, I grew up in Dallas, and lived in Houston for 3 years, and while I'm not slamming these places, I don't see them as destination type places...ESPECIALLY if you're considering the Denver area. The closest thing you'll get to the best outdoor scenery in TX is the Austin or Hill Country (where I live now), but having visited Denver and Boulder area, have to say we can't compete with scenery

We visit Houston often but only because our son lives there. If it's between Houston and Denver, go with Denver. However, if you want beautiful scenery, you could fly into CA, rent a car and be in Yosemite in 4 1/2 hrs. Stay on the Valley floor and be surrounded by beauty from morning to night. The Mariposa Grove with it's huge redwoods is one of the most interesting places I've visited.

I also live in Houston and I definitely would NOT pick Houston over Denver for an anniversary trip. There is NO scenery here and although you might be lucky enough to hit some good weather in October or November or maybe April, it would not be something you could count on. Weather is very uncertain here at any time of year. Go for Denver!

Denver is FAR and away more beautiful than Houston!! The Rockies are beautiful, I think the trees would be showing off if you go soon. Lots of opportunities to hike and be outside. I would anticipate it to be sunny but cool so warmer clothes and layer but gorgeous! There may be other cities near Denver that are prettier, I didn't think Denver downtown was particularly lovely - maybe someone has a different suggestion?

I don't mind slamming Houston since I don't live there..... Just teasing but to be honest Houston really doesn't have scenery and isn't a very pretty city either. It doesn't seem to have any city planning and it just sprawl. I am sure there are nice things individually, but I really did not like what I saw.

Wow--thank you all for your input. I just assumed there would be beautiful things to see around Texas. I'm sad to hear I'm mistaken

Jenn, Texas does have some beautiful scenery. It's just not necessarily in Houston.

If you want to see a beautiful part of Texas, try San Antonio and the Hill Country. It is beautiful!

There are many beautiful places in TX, it will just take a lot more than a 3 day weekend to discover them because the state is so huge. Check out www.texashighways.com for ideas. I do agree Houston is not the most scenic city, but neither is Denver. Sure, looking west from Denver the Rockies are beautiful, but do a 180 and you can see all the way to Kansas. Now that fall is upon us freak blizzards are possible anytime which could put a serious damper on your trip. Have a good time regardless of where you go.