After 54 years, Dana Point Harbor's oldest restaurant, Wind & Sea, will close

After months of speculation, Wind & Sea at Dana Point Harbor has
announced it will close Sept.15, ending a 54-year run overlooking the
waterfront. 

“After more than five decades of unforgettable memories, it’s time to
share some heartfelt news with our beloved community,” read a message
the restaurant posted to Instagram on July 14. 

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out where to eat and get the latest restaurant happenings in Orange
County. Subscribe here. Wind & Sea, which opened in 1972 and has long
been known for its harbor views and Mai Tais, said July 16 marks the
beginning of a 60-day countdown to its final day of service. 

“On September 15, 2026, we will close our doors at our beloved Dana
Point home,” the message continued. 

ALSO READ: Dana Point Harbor’s oldest restaurant Wind & Sea celebrates
45 years and looks to the future 

The announcement follows months of uncertainty surrounding the
seafood-and-steak eatery’s future as the ongoing redevelopment of Dana
Point Harbor’s commercial marina moves forward. 

Fans of the Wind & Sea bid the beloved restaurant farewell, while others
lamented the loss of yet another longtime local institution. 

“This seems to be what Dana Point considers progress,” wrote Erika
Nyhagen. “It is very sad to see all the businesses have to leave that
made Dana Point the special place that it was. It is becoming Newport
Beach.” Eric Eljenholm echoed that sentiment, writing, “I understand
modernizing Dana Point Harbor, but I don’t support losing the businesses
that made it worth visiting in the first place.” 

Robert “Bob” Mardian opened Wind & Sea in 1972 when he was just 25 years
old. Since then, he expanded his portfolio with Harpoon Henry’s, also in
the Dana Point Harbor (which closed in 2025), along with Kona Inn and
Kona Canoe Club in Hawaii. 

Several restaurants at Dana Point Harbor have closed in recent years in
anticipation of the $600 million redevelopment, including El Torito,
Harpoon Henry’s, The Brig, Beach Harbor Pizza and Gemmell’s. 

https://www.ocregister.com/2026/07/15/after-54-years-dana-point-harbors-o
ldest-restaurant-wind-sea-will-close/