Yes, the beach is great! Yes, she will have fun running in the sand and playing with sand toys.....
She will also have fun trying to eat rocks, sand, feathers, seaweed, clams, trash, and any other thing that she is not supposed to get. I hear you, I feel you, I am living this now. BLEH!!
The only thing that I can say is that I was SURE my daughter would have a big ol' fit when I put her in the pack and play, and sure enough....SHE LOVES IT!!! She goes in there and plays with her toys and then whines to come out and be held. I hold her for a bit, play with her, love on her, and then she wants to go back in the pack and play! HALLELUJIAH!! So, you may 'think' she doesn't want to go in one, but have you tried?! That's my only suggestion and I hope it works!
L.