Ryan,
I don't wish to discourage you, because this is possibly the greatest hobby in the world, but you asked for advice and I'm going to agree with what others are saying.

Flying at the beach won't be something I'd recommend for a long time yet, for two reasons.

1) Most electrics in your price range, and that you MIGHT be able to learn on without an instructor, will not fly well in wind over about 5 mph. Sea breezes are usually too much for a small electric ParkFlyer.

2) A glow engine powered plane is much too large, fast and dangerous to fly anywhere near people, houses or family pets. There have been two deaths this year (that I know of) caused by people being hit by a glow plane.

Flying these things is NOT as easy as those TV commercials make it look, and getting an instructor is the most sensible way to approach it. Unfortunately, while you may buy the plane, radio equipment and engine for about $300, as has been said it will cost another $100 to $150 for required support equipment, PLUS AMA ($58) and club ($??) Memberships. These are really a necessity if you're going to fly glow or larger electrics. AMA provides liability insurance (to cover YOU if you hit someone or something), and the club will provide free instruction AND a safe place to fly. (AMA membership is much cheaper if you happen to be under 16 (or 18?).)

You could go out and buy something like a small electric package (Park Flyer), and possibly teach yourself (others have), the majority of those who've taught themselves will also tell you to get an instructor.

If you decide to go that route, your best bet for an all inclusive package seems to be an Aerobird or Aerobird Challenger. They can be bought for $125 to $150 depending on where you buy, but as was mentioned earlier, none of it's equipment can be used in any other airplane. Again, they won't fly in winds much over 5 MPH. (Well, and experienced pilot can fly them in winds up to 10 to 12, but the planes don't handle it very well.) (Forget the Firebirds, they have less power and are less controllable, and forget ANYTHING made by Megatech, Cheap trash.)

There are other good park flyers out there (such as GWS stuff), but most require that you buy the plane and other stuff separately, which is usually confusing for new guys.

Good luck, have fun, and welcome to RCU!!
Dennis-