How should I drive on a pebble beach?

I have always lived by the mantra of "if it isn't absolutely necessary to drive on sand or shingle then don't " beaches are horrible dangerous places full of all manner of hidden traps just waiting to swallow the unsuspecting vehicle user, stranding them at the mercy of the sea. If it is absolutely life and death then fast and smooth with minimal steering inputs. Essentially it's driving on what amounts to a non newtonian fluid, ie the resistance to outside force increases with the magnitude of the force being applied. But still don't do it if you don't have to.

Thanks.
I followed my instincts and did a combo of all the advice above - I did it really to gain experience.
I stayed above the tide line just in case. I used a one mile section that had a way on and a way off, and it's a beach I know well walking it most days.
I did the slow and steady for most of it as steering around obstacles was necessary and the steering was sluggish. When the pebbles got deeper, I found it start to bog down, and moved towards more sand where possible. Where it was not possible, I just kept a steady pace, but I could also feel the depth and texture change as I went over different areas.
I did a slow test run up a slope with deeper pebbles, knowing I could reverse back down to more solid ground if I became unhappy with the progress... which I was and I reversed out.
Where I planned to come off, I know the shingle is deep and walking off can be hard work. There are also some big rocks (for coastal defence) all round it and the approach is not straightforward. I didn't chance getting stuck and went back the way I came which was not as steep and offered more runup.
To leave the last section of beach I did sweep wide and lined up to go straight across the deep section. Then I ran at it a bit faster and didn't sink as much as I felt I did coming onto the beach in the same place - but slower.
All in all, good experience gained. Heart rate raised a few times, but never any danger - except of getting stuck.
It's good to know what this little car is capable of, and as standard, I'm pretty impressed.
Just have to get the driver up to scratch!
Cheers
Martin

Good for you. All the theory in the world is not as good as giving it a go yourself. Only the person on the spot knows the correct approach.