For more than five decades, diners have gathered at a waterfront restaurant in Southern California for seafood, steaks, scenic harbor views, and its famous Mai Tais. That long-running tradition is coming to an end this fall as the restaurant prepares to serve its final customers.
Wind & Sea will close in September
Wind & Sea Restaurant in Dana Point will permanently close on September 15, 2026, after 54 years in business. The restaurant opened in 1972 and has operated at Dana Point Harbor ever since.
Located at 34699 Golden Lantern, the restaurant sits directly on the water at Dana Point Harbor. Its menu includes seafood, lobster, shrimp, steaks, and other California-inspired dishes, while its Hawaiian happy hour has featured its well-known Mai Tais.
The restaurant’s owners announced the closure in July, expressing gratitude to generations of customers who had made memories at the harbor location.
Harbor redevelopment is forcing changes
The closure is tied to the long-running Dana Point Harbor revitalization project. Wind & Sea is located in Building 1 of the harbor’s commercial wharf, which is scheduled for abatement and demolition as redevelopment moves into its final phase.
The harbor’s redevelopment has already resulted in changes for longtime businesses, and more closures are coming. Dana Point Harbor Partners has announced that the Wharf will close to the public on November 1, with remaining businesses scheduled to end operations by October 31.
A longtime local landmark
The restaurant’s impending closure has generated an emotional response from longtime customers. Some diners have described celebrating birthdays, holidays, promotions, and other family milestones at Wind & Sea over the years.
The closure also represents a significant loss for the local workforce. According to a WARN notice posted in July, nearly 200 Wind & Sea employees will lose their jobs when the restaurant closes.
After 54 years, Wind & Sea’s final day will mark the end of one of Dana Point Harbor’s longest-running restaurant chapters.
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