You’re driving south on the Robert Moses Causeway, the salt air starts hitting your vents, and you see the signs for the fields. Most people blindly follow the traffic toward Field 5 because they want to see the lighthouse. Big mistake. Honestly, if you want the actual Long Island beach experience without feeling like a sardine, you pull into Robert Moses Field 2.
It’s the "locals' secret" that isn't really a secret, yet it stays quieter than the rest of the park for reasons that baffle me. Maybe it’s the walk. Maybe people just don’t know what’s tucked behind those dunes. Whatever the case, Field 2 is arguably the most versatile patch of sand on the entire South Shore.
The Layout Nobody Explains
Field 2 isn't just a parking lot with a path to the water. It’s a hub. To your west, you have Democrat Point—the holy grail for 4x4 enthusiasts and surf casters. To your east, the beach stretches toward the more crowded family zones.
But right there in the middle? That’s where the magic happens.
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Most people don't realize that Robert Moses Field 2 is home to a full-blown 18-hole pitch-and-putt golf course. Yeah, you read that right. You can literally play a round of golf with the Atlantic Ocean crashing a few hundred yards away. It’s casual, it’s sandy, and it’s usually populated by guys in flip-flops who haven't touched a real club in years.
Then there are the volleyball courts. These aren't just "poles in the sand." During the summer, these courts are the heartbeat of the field. You’ll see league play, intense amateur tournaments, and just random groups of friends trying not to face-plant in the soft sand.
Why the Surfers Are Always There
If you look toward the shoreline at Field 2, you’ll notice a higher-than-average concentration of wetsuits. There’s a reason for that. Because Field 2 sits just east of the Fire Island Inlet, the sandbars here shift constantly.
This creates "breaks" that surfers live for.
While the "West End" is technically the technical term, Field 2 is the gateway. You’ve got people lugging longboards across the asphalt at 6:00 AM while the rest of the world is still sleeping. Honestly, watching them out there while you're drinking a lukewarm coffee from the concession stand is a vibe you can't get at Jones Beach.
A Quick Note on Democrat Point
You can't talk about Field 2 without mentioning the 4x4 access. If you have the permit—and the right tires—you can drive right onto the sand. It’s a different world out there. You’ll see trucks lined up, fishing lines cast deep into the surf, and families who have basically built a temporary village for the day.
- Pro Tip: Don't try to drive out there in a standard SUV without a permit and the required gear (shovels, boards, tire pressure gauges). The park rangers don't play, and getting stuck in the sand is an expensive way to ruin a Saturday.
The "Bad" Stuff Nobody Mentions
I’m not going to sit here and tell you it’s a five-star resort. It’s a New York State Park.
The bathrooms? They can be... hit or miss. Especially by 3:00 PM on a humid August Sunday. The staff does their best, but when you have thousands of people tracking in sand and salt, things get gritty. Literally.
Also, the walk from the parking lot to the actual water is a trek. If you’re hauling a cooler, three umbrellas, a tent, and four toddlers, you are going to feel it in your calves. The sand is deep, and the sun is relentless.
Survival Guide: How to Actually Enjoy Field 2
If you’re planning a trip, don't just wing it.
- The Empire Pass is King: If you go more than three times a year, just buy the pass. It saves you the $10 parking fee every time.
- Arrive Early or Late: By 11:00 AM on a weekend, the lot is often full. But if you show up after 4:00 PM? The crowd thins out, the sun starts to dip, and you might even catch a glimpse of the Fire Island deer wandering near the dunes.
- Check the Tide: For the golfers, the tide doesn't matter. For the swimmers and surfers, it's everything. A high tide at Field 2 can eat up a lot of the beach real estate, leaving you cramped against the dunes.
- The Food Situation: There is a concession stand. It serves the basics—hot dogs, fries, ice cream. It’s fine. But most regulars bring their own setup. Just remember: no alcohol is officially allowed on the beach. Do with that information what you will, but keep it low-key.
The Historical Ripple Effect
Robert Moses, the man himself, was a polarizing figure. He’s the reason we have these parks, but he’s also the reason the parkways have those low stone bridges. He wanted to keep buses (and the people who rode them) away from his pristine beaches.
When you stand on the shore at Field 2, you’re standing on a piece of that complicated legacy. It’s a masterpiece of engineering and public access, yet it feels wild and untamed.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Visit
Ready to head out? Here is exactly how to handle Robert Moses Field 2 like a pro.
- Download the "NY State Parks" app. It gives you real-time updates on parking capacity. There is nothing worse than driving an hour only to see the "Lot Full" sign.
- Invest in a sand trolley. Your back will thank you. The trek from the Field 2 lot to the shoreline is long enough that you’ll regret carrying everything by hand.
- Bring a light jacket. Even if it’s 90 degrees in the city, the ocean breeze at Moses can be chilly once the sun starts to drop.
- Respect the dunes. Seriously. They are the only thing keeping the ocean from swallowing the parking lot. Stay on the designated paths.
Field 2 isn't the flashiest field, and it doesn't have the "party" reputation of Field 5. But for the people who want to actually hear the ocean instead of a neighbor's Bluetooth speaker, it’s the only place to be. Pack your gear, check the wind, and get there before the gates get crowded.