From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishthe scenic routethe scenic routea longer way than usual, especially one that goes through beautiful or interesting areas – often used humorously Let’s take the scenic route home. → scenic
Examples from the Corpus
the scenic route• Above, it's along way home, but at least the competitors get to take the scenic route.• They took the scenic route back to the Palace.• It was Harlequins who opened the scoring ... Mike Wedderburn taking the scenic route to the corner flag. 