Jason Kelly, portrayed by Zac Efron, finds himself navigating unexpected family dynamics during his grandmother's funeral. It’s here that he reconnects with his grandfather, Army veteran Dick (played by Robert De Niro), a widower who has recently lost his wife after a long marriage of 40 years. Although Jason and Dick once shared a strong bond, time and Jason's corporate job have created a rift between them. After the funeral, Dick asks Jason to drive him from their home in Georgia to Boca Raton, Florida — a request Jason is hesitant to accept, especially with his uptight fiancée, Meredith (portrayed by Julianne Hough), watching closely.
Their journey begins with an embarrassing encounter when Jason stumbles upon Dick indulging in some adult activities. This awkward moment sparks a series of amusing misunderstandings and heartfelt conversations. Dick is keen to berate Jason for abandoning his passion for photography in favor of his corporate job, insisting that Jason should pursue a more fulfilling life. During their road trip, they stop at a diner where they unexpectedly encounter Shadia (depicted by Zoey Deutch), a former classmate from Jason's photography days, and her quirky friend Lenore (played by Aubrey Plaza). Seeking a thrill for spring break, Lenore invites them to join her and Shadia on their journey to Daytona Beach, but Jason remains determined to stick to their original destination.
At the golf course, comical situations ensue as Dick begins to flirt unapologetically with other women, igniting Jason's disbelief that his grandfather would behave this way shortly after losing his wife. Dick's assertion that he was loyal to his late spouse only adds to the tension between them. Eventually, Jason gives in to Dick's plea and changes their course to Daytona.
Upon their arrival, they reconnect with Shadia and Lenore, leading to unforgettable beach moments filled with fun and a bit of trouble. At a party, Dick playfully consumes some pills and inadvertently leads Jason into chaos when he finds himself intoxicated and in a compromising position. After a series of misadventures, including a motorcycle escapade and a misinterpreted encounter with a child, Jason lands in jail. Thankfully, Dick comes to his rescue yet again, leading to more hilarity and heartfelt revelations.
Their adventures take a serious turn when they confront a gang at a nightclub, resulting in Dick proving himself far more than the comedic figure Jason perceives him to be. As the plot twists unfurl, Jason is forced to confront both his relationship with Meredith and unexpected feelings for Shadia. Misunderstandings culminate in heartbreak for Jason as revelations about his engagement unravel, pushing him to critically assess where his true happiness lies.
In a spectacular climax filled with chase sequences and reconciliations, Jason manages to reach Shadia and declare his intentions to join her in her dreams of travelling the world. With heartfelt farewells, Dick embarks on his new chapter at a retirement community, finding a surprising reunion of his own. In a whimsical closing scene, Jason and Shadia step into new roles as life takes another unexpected turn.
Ultimately, an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and familial bonds unfolds, leaving laughing, loving, and lessons learned along the way.
