wow i must have missed this post.
first of all yes i hope you get stuck and take pix
driving on beach is relatively easy with the pathfinder. remember to deflate your tires to around 15-18 PSI if the sand is normal, and 10-12 if the sand is extra soft.
shovel is mostly useless unless u get stuck on an incline, cause when u get stuck on flat (beach), you're only gonna be extra tired from digging after you ask someone to pull you out. not worth the dig.
Rope - make sure you get a proper rated rope and shackle. i cannot stress this enough. i have seen shackles break loose and fly close to 100mph. thank god it hit the car and not a person. rope rating should be at least 3 times your vehicle weight. yes those crappy small ropes will do the trick once or twice until some bystander loses a bodypart.
if you are deflated and cut a corner quickly, your tire may pop out (off the rim). dont panic. jack it up, pour some water on the rim to clear the sand, and get the air compressor. turn it on, and pull on the tire outwards with ur hands until the air starts pumping it.
carry enough beer and water to keep you happy, and try not to go to an isolated area unless help is walking distance away (you never know what could happen). or take a friend with a 4x4. two vehicles can help each other out.
pathfinders dont really like salt water (well i guess no car does) so might wanna give it a good clean underwash when you're done to avoid rust.
enjoy.