I haven't stayed there, but if you are looking for a place with AMAZING taffy go to Zeno's. It is on the boardwalk near the pier (where Joe's Crab Shack is going in). It has to be the best stuff I have ever had!!! They also have amazing homemade caramels.
Driving on the beach is something unique and most recently they changed the rules for driving on the beach. You can only go southbound from certain points and only northbound at certain points. The reason for this is because of the sea turtles. As in reading the OP if you are looking for something to see other than the beach in Daytona definitely go see the Speedway!! As a NASCAR fan myself, it is hard to explain the size of the track to someone else. They have a track tour that will take you into victory lane and in the garage area.
There is also Ponce DeLeon Light House in Ponce Inlet. That is very pretty and has amazing views. I am going to go back up it in Feb when I go back.
The one thing I loved to do when we used to stay right on the ocean was get up early and watch for the porppoises. We would usually see them once or twice during our week long trip.