Is the sun more intense at the beach

Or is it the same as out in your backyard?

The short answer is, no. However, there is more reflected ligh tfrom the sand and the sea, so your body is exposed to the sunlight directly, and then is bombarded further from the extra reflected light.

Happy tanning.

Depends on the location?
Actually, the sun's rays are about the same as anywhere else.
Miami is the same distance from the sun as North Carolina.
Now if you asked about the beaches in AUSTRALIA, it would be different due to location and all that ****.