Hybrid Bicycles - Riding on the Beach

Im going to hilton head island in May. The beaches are mostly hard packed. I was going to take my Raleigh Misceo (new - only has 1 ride on it) or my sirrus. Is the sand /salt hard on the bike??? Ill only be there for a week. I figured Id just spray it off after each ride... will the bike be ok?

The last time I went to the beach (near Myrtle Beach), I brought my mountain bike, but I didn't ride on the beach itself. I found some dirt roads and interesting stuff to look at, but the terrain was too flat for me to have much fun. Maybe rent a beach cruiser if you have to ride. http://www.hiltonheadisland.com/bikerent.html

From the linked website;

"One of the most popular activities while visiting Hilton Head Island is bicycle riding. There are miles of paths all over the Island for you to ride. And you can ride on our 12 miles of Beach! This page is your access to Island Bicycle Rental Companies."

Having lived here on Cape Cod my entire life, I can tell you that the salt air is enough to destroy anything...... Just rinse the bike off very well with fresh water when done ridding, but I warn against ridding on the beach sand with your own bike, rent a bike to be safe........