Driving in Houston isn’t exactly a pleasant experience—or easy on the eyes. That’s not to say there aren’t a few thrills along the way. As you ascend a windy, sky-high ramp to jump from one freeway to another, or drive over a bridge connecting neighborhoods, you may get a glimpse of those signature Houston vistas, even if just for a split second before your eyes have to return their attention to the road. Here are a few of our favorites.

View of downtown from Waugh Drive

When driving from the Heights to Montrose over Waugh Drive, make sure to quickly crane your neck to the left. If you time it perfectly, you’ll be able to spot the downtown skyline in the background with Buffalo Bayou Park providing a lush picture frame. It’s not as dramatic as the view from 59, but we love it for its natural surroundings and the fact that we don’t have to brave crazy highway traffic to see it.

Bill Coats Bridge from Almeda Road

The stretch of Almeda Road south of MacGregor, part of FM 521, is even more boring than most. It somehow has the atmosphere of both a back road and major road, so unremarkable in fact that the sudden apparition of a bridge sparks a little thrill. In a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, the Bill Coats Bridge across Brays Bayou becomes visible in an opening between tree canopies. The vista makes us want to make a U-turn, get out of the car, and hop on the Brays Bayou Greenway Trail.

View of downtown Houston from 59

Downtown Houston’s skyline is as awe-inspiring as any other big city’s. There are several vantage points across town that allow it to shine; the one from Buffalo Bayou Park, for example, is iconic. But after examining it from many angles over the years, we’re ready to declare that the absolute best skyline view is found just north of downtown, when driving south on US 59. If you’re arriving in town from Bush Airport, it’s a dramatic welcome for tourists—or a warm “welcome home” for locals.