scenic route
/ˈsiːnɪk ˌruːt/noun
1A (frequently indirect or circuitous) route that offers good landscape views; (hence) an unnecessarily indirect or circuitous route.
2 Figurative. A long or indirect means of reaching an objective, performing an action, etc. Frequently with the, especially in to take the scenic route.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Ottawa, Future Capital of Canada. From scenic + route.