I haven't exactly ridden a beach cruiser, but have ridden equally spartan Roadsters (which are standard issue bicycles in India, where I came from).

With a beach cruiser, I'm still worried about the lack of gearing. Doesn't it hurt when going uphill? Back in the old country, we didn't have much of a choice, as derailers were rare, but these days I would be hesitant to trade my 24-speed because it makes climbing so less painful.