The Daytona Beach "area" encompasses a list of communities: Daytona Beach Shores, Ponce Inlet, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, Ormond Beach, and more! I lived in the Atlantic City, New Jersey area for many years. I lived near the beach my whole life. The beach in the Daytona Beach area is one of the best from my eyes! I guess that is why it is called "The World's Most Famous Beach." I don't know where the tag came from, but like I wrote, I believe it to be true!
When you choose to stay in the Daytona Beach area, you will find it offers everything! The beach, fishing, Volusia Mall for shopping, the Daytona International Speedway, the Daytona International Airport, easy access to Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center and St. Augustine.
There are some lesser known attractions like the Ocean Center for concerts and shows, the Peabody Auditorium for shows, Daytona Lagoon (a nice waterpark), many parks throughout the city, great restaurants, etc.
Although Daytona Beach is probably best known for its annual Bike Week and Race Week, it is a great family vacation area . . .the traffic isn't thick and the people are friendly. Give Daytona Beach a try . . . I am sure you will be back to the beach year after year!