[dmfdmf]

Do a search for "star gazing forum" or similar and join a forum that has the most active discussions/users and read past posts to get started. They probably have FAQs for beginners and you can probably get most of your questions answered before spending any money.

I got into star gazing by accident a few years back because I found $250 entry-level telescope, unused new-in-box for $60 at a garage sale. So look for a used scope for your starter because it is cheaper and very common for people to buy expensive equipment then get out of the hobby. Once you get your sea legs you can upgrade knowing what you want to see and the right equipment to do the job.

I also went on line and learned how to use the scope and then went to some local "star parties" which were fun. Do a search for your area and go because you'll learn a lot faster by talking to others. The local club did a field trip/tour of a (small) observatory at a local community college which was great. Another benefit is some of these gazers have dropped a ton of money on advance systems and at the star parties they are more than happy to let you take a peek and look at all sorts of objects that a beginner scope can't see but it was fun to see the planets and the moon, etc. with my own scope too.

[cbfrench]

I definitely second the recommendation to find a local star party. They are also good because they help temper expectations. Most people assume that what they’re going to see when they get a telescope will be similar to what they’ve seen in astrophotography, and many would-be amateur astronomers are disappointed to find that those complex, brilliant galaxies they’ve seen in photos actually look like slightly-less-black smudges through an average telescope lens.

Going to a star party allows you to meet experienced backyard astronomers who can show you these objects[0] and talk to you about the hobby. That way you have some idea of what you can expect (especially at an entry-level). It’s a wonderful hobby, but it helps to know what you can expect to see (also realizing that the more you look through a lens, the better you’ll get at actually spotting objects).

[0] The other thing that doesn’t always get noted is how damn frustrating it can be to find objects without some experience. My first hunt for a Messier object was a profanity-laden experience. So, having someone present who knows how to navigate to those objects can make it more enjoyable!

[jtbayly]

There are a lot of truly terrible used telescopes out there. Mostly small refractors claiming tremendous magnification power. Don't get one of those.