Melanie Porter, an ambitious overachiever, aspires to attend Georgetown University in preparation for a career with the FBI, diverging from the local college her police chief father had hoped she would attend. As the first in her family to potentially move away for college, her father, James, struggles with the thought of her leaving home, leading to an overly protective stance towards her choice. To ensure she makes a "safe" decision, James insists on turning Melanie's planned road trip to her prospective university into a father-daughter expedition. Despite her initial reluctance, Melanie agrees, setting the stage for what she hopes will be an opportunity to prove her independence and mature decision-making capabilities to her father.

Their journey, intended to be a straight shot to Georgetown, quickly spirals into an unpredictable adventure, stirring both comic and heartfelt moments between father and daughter. Through a series of unplanned detours, including an unanticipated stop at an over-the-top political rally and an impromptu skydiving excursion, their trip becomes less about reaching the destination and more about the unforeseen experiences that test their relationship. As they navigate this chaotic road trip, both Melanie and James are forced to confront their fears about the future and the inevitable change it brings, learning more about each other and strengthening their bond along the way.