If you’ve spent any real time in Virginia Beach, you know the vibe at the North End is just different. It’s quieter. The air feels saltier, and the houses definitely look more expensive. Tucked away right where the residential streets start to get serious is the Princess Anne Country Club VA Beach, a place that basically functions as the social heartbeat of the city’s old-guard community. It’s been sitting there since 1916. Think about that for a second. While the rest of the oceanfront was turning into a neon-soaked tourist destination with saltwater taffy shops and t-shirt stalls, the "PACC" was busy perfecting its bunkers.
Honestly, people often get it wrong when they talk about this place. They assume it's just a playground for retirees in pleated khakis. That’s not really the case anymore. Sure, it has that "old money" heritage that you can't just buy or manufacture, but the energy has shifted a lot over the last decade. It’s become a massive hub for young families who want their kids to grow up on the tennis courts or in the pool while the parents grab a drink at the 10th Tee. It’s exclusive, yeah, but it’s more about community than just showing off.
The Golf Course: More Than Just Grass
The golf course is the big draw, obviously. Designed originally by H.L. Willoughby and later refined by the legendary Tim Liddy (who worked closely with Pete Dye), it isn't the longest course you’ll ever play. It’s a par 70. If you’re a long hitter, you might think you’re going to tear it up. You won't. The course is tight. You’re weaving through massive live oaks and loblolly pines that have been there since the Wright Brothers were first messing around in Kitty Hawk.
The wind is the real killer here. Since you’re only a few blocks from the Atlantic, the breeze coming off the water can turn a simple 7-iron into a nightmare. You’ve got to play smart, not hard. Locals will tell you that the greens are some of the truest in the Mid-Atlantic. They’re fast. If you’re above the hole on a hot July afternoon, good luck keeping that ball on the surface. It’s the kind of course that rewards precision over raw power, which is probably why the members there are so obsessed with it.
Not Just a "Golf Club" Anymore
But look, if you don't play golf, the Princess Anne Country Club VA Beach still has a weirdly strong grip on your social life if you live in the 23451 zip code. The tennis program is arguably one of the best in the state. They have indoor courts, which is a massive deal during those humid Virginia summers or the random ice storms we get in February. You'll see high-level USTA matches happening right next to a group of ladies playing casual doubles before lunch. It’s a mix.
Then there’s the fitness center. It’s not some dusty room with two treadmills and a rusty dumbbell. They put some serious money into a 7,000-square-foot facility.
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- Cardio equipment with all the bells and whistles.
- Private personal training sessions.
- Yoga and Pilates classes that are actually packed.
- Physical therapy partnerships.
It’s basically a high-end gym that just happens to be attached to a country club. And the pool? In the summer, that’s where the real action is. The Breakers Pool & Fitness Center is essentially a resort. You’ve got kids doing cannonballs in the splash pad while the adults are at the poolside bar ordering "Orange Crushes"—the unofficial state drink of Virginia Beach. If you haven't had one, it’s fresh-squeezed orange juice, vodka, triple sec, and a splash of Sprite. It’s dangerous. You’ve been warned.
The Social Hierarchy and Dining
Dining at the PACC is where you really see the "lifestyle" part of the club. They have several different spots depending on how much you feel like dressing up. The Chesapeake Room is your classic formal-ish setting, but the Linkhorn Lounge is where people actually hang out.
The food is surprisingly good. Often, country club food is just overpriced chicken piccata and iceberg lettuce. Not here. They lean heavily into the coastal Virginia terroir. We’re talking about Lynnhaven oysters, Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, and local rockfish. They know their audience. The members want high-end culinary work but they also want a really good burger after 18 holes.
One thing that people find surprising is the "Wine Society." It’s a huge part of the club’s subculture. They have these massive wine dinners and tastings. It’s not just about drinking; it’s about the education of it. They bring in winemakers from Napa and France. It’s a whole scene.
What It Actually Costs (The Elephant in the Room)
Let's be real: you can't just walk in and sign up. That's not how this works. The Princess Anne Country Club VA Beach is a private, member-owned club. To get in, you generally need to be sponsored by current members. It’s a vetting process. They want to make sure you’re going to actually contribute to the club environment and not just be a name on a roster.
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There are different levels of membership:
- Full Privilege (Golf, Tennis, Pool, Dining, the whole nine yards).
- Social (Everything except golf).
- Junior (For the younger crowd, usually under 40, with slightly different fee structures).
The initiation fees aren't publicly blasted on a billboard for a reason, but expect them to be in the mid-five-figure range, plus monthly dues. It’s an investment. People pay it because the networking alone is worth it. If you’re a business owner in Hampton Roads, being a member at the PACC is basically like having a second office. You’ll see more deals closed on the 19th hole than in most boardrooms in downtown Norfolk.
Living the North End Life
The club’s location is its biggest asset. Being at 38th Street means you’re right at the gateway to the North End. This is the part of Virginia Beach where the tourists don't usually go. The beach is wider, the dunes are higher, and the atmosphere is way more relaxed. Many members actually live within walking or biking distance of the club.
You’ll see people riding their beach cruisers with a tennis racket strapped to the back, heading to the club for a morning set. It’s a very specific kind of American coastal lifestyle that feels a bit like a time capsule. It’s "Preppy" without being too stuffy, if that makes sense. It’s more "flip-flops and a polo shirt" than "suit and tie."
The Challenges and Misconceptions
It’s not all sunshine and perfect fairways, though. Like any historic institution, the PACC has had to deal with the changing times. There’s always a tension between the older members who want things to stay exactly the way they were in 1970 and the younger members who want faster service, better Wi-Fi, and more kid-friendly events.
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Managing that balance is a full-time job for the board. They’ve done a pretty good job of modernizing without losing the soul of the place. They recently did some major renovations to the clubhouse and the locker rooms. It looks fresh, but it still feels like the Princess Anne.
Some people think the club is "unreachable" or "snobby." While it’s definitely exclusive, the vibe inside is actually pretty welcoming once you’re in the fold. It’s a small-town feel inside a medium-sized city. Everyone knows everyone. That can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how much you like privacy, but for most members, that’s the whole point of joining.
Actionable Steps for Prospective Members or Visitors
If you're looking to get a foot in the door or just want to experience the lifestyle, here is the reality of how to navigate the Princess Anne Country Club VA Beach environment.
- Find a Sponsor First: Don't just call the front desk asking for a membership application. Start looking through your LinkedIn or local social circles. Most business leaders in Virginia Beach are either members or know someone who is. You need someone to vouch for you.
- Check the Reciprocal Rules: If you belong to another high-end country club in a different state, check if your club has a reciprocal agreement with the PACC. This is often the easiest way to get a tee time or a dinner reservation if you're just visiting the area.
- Attend a Charity Event: The PACC often hosts community and charitable events that are open to non-members (or at least guests of members). This is a great way to see the facilities and get a feel for the culture without the commitment.
- Respect the Dress Code: It sounds basic, but they take it seriously. No cargo shorts. No denim on the golf course. Tuck in your shirt. If you show up looking like you just came from a dive bar, you won't get past the pro shop.
- Focus on the Family: If you’re applying, emphasize your family’s interest in the club’s amenities beyond golf. The club is heavily prioritizing "full-family engagement" right now. They want members who will use the pool, the gym, and the youth programs.
- Explore the Neighborhood: Even if you aren't a member, take a drive or a bike ride around the club’s perimeter at 3801 Pacific Avenue. It’s one of the most beautiful pockets of Virginia Beach and gives you a clear picture of why this specific spot was chosen over a century ago.
The Princess Anne is a legacy. It survives because it provides a sense of stability in a city that is constantly changing. Whether you’re there for the low-handicap golf or just a cold drink by the pool, it remains the definitive social anchor of the Virginia Beach North End.