scenic route

Meaning

A road or path that is chosen because it offers beautiful views of nature or interesting sights, rather than being the fastest way. It can also be used humorously when someone takes a wrong turn and ends up taking longer to arrive.

Examples

• We weren't in a hurry, so we decided to take the scenic route along the coast.

  We weren't in a hurry, so we decided to take the scenic route along the coast.

• The GPS took us on a scenic route through some lovely mountain villages.

  The GPS took us on a scenic route through some lovely mountain villages.

• If you take the scenic route, it adds an hour to the trip, but the views are worth it.

  If you take the scenic route, it adds an hour to the trip, but the views are worth it.

• I think our driver took the scenic route because we are completely lost.

  I think our driver took the scenic route because we are completely lost.

• The tourism board recommends the scenic route for travelers who want to see the countryside.

  The tourism board recommends the scenic route for travelers who want to see the countryside.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We took the scene route to the lake.

  ✓ We took the scenic route to the lake.

  'Scene' is a noun. You must use the adjective 'scenic' to describe the route.

• ✗ Let's go by the scenic road.

  ✓ Let's take the scenic route.

  While grammatically possible, 'take the scenic route' is the standard, highly common collocation.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Instead of taking the highway, let's take the ___ through the national park.

  💡 A longer path with beautiful views

  Show answer

  scenic route

• We took the ___ by accident, but we got to see some beautiful historic houses.

  💡 A visually pleasing but longer way

  Show answer

  scenic route