There are loads of in-person astronomy clubs, for example there are three large-ish ones near me(Cambridge, UK). Many of them offer open nights to introduce newcomers, and they tend to be quite welcoming¹. The open nights are a great way to get a taste for equipment too, as you can play with all the toys the regulars take along.
I don't attend my local club, but the mailing list they run is an absolute treasure. Being local they'll often be on top of news for local starwatch nights, offer advice about dark sky locations, have used equipment for sale, etc.
Other than that I agree with pamoroso, just dive in and have fun.
¹ With the caveat that some of the people can be kind of quirky, and some can simply be snobby equipment collectors.
There are loads of in-person astronomy clubs, for example there are three large-ish ones near me(Cambridge, UK). Many of them offer open nights to introduce newcomers, and they tend to be quite welcoming¹. The open nights are a great way to get a taste for equipment too, as you can play with all the toys the regulars take along.
I don't attend my local club, but the mailing list they run is an absolute treasure. Being local they'll often be on top of news for local starwatch nights, offer advice about dark sky locations, have used equipment for sale, etc.
Other than that I agree with pamoroso, just dive in and have fun.
¹ With the caveat that some of the people can be kind of quirky, and some can simply be snobby equipment collectors.