For generations of Southern California residents, Dana Point Harbor has been more than a place to launch a boat or watch the sunset. It has also been home to beloved restaurants where customers gathered for breakfast, drinks, and waterfront views. Two longtime dining establishments said goodbye in October as a major harbor redevelopment project moved into its next phase.
Proud Mary’s and Turk’s closed October 31
Proud Mary’s and Turk’s both closed their current Dana Point Harbor locations on October 31, 2026, ending decades of service at the waterfront destination. The closures coincided with the next stage of the harbor’s commercial redevelopment, which required the remaining businesses in the wharf area to cease operations.
Proud Mary’s had been a local fixture since 1977. The restaurant became known for its waterfront breakfast and lunch offerings, along with its Bloody Marys. It also survived a devastating 2007 fire that destroyed its building before the restaurant was rebuilt.
Turk’s had served customers since 1984, developing a loyal following over the decades. The restaurant and bar was known for its casual atmosphere, walls covered with photographs and memorabilia, and longtime regulars who helped make it a neighborhood institution.
Harbor redevelopment prompted the closures
The departures were part of Dana Point Harbor’s extensive Commercial Core Revitalization project. The wharf’s final construction phase was scheduled to begin in fall 2026, with the area closing to the public on November 1.
The broader redevelopment aimed to modernize the harbor’s commercial waterfront, including new restaurants, retail space, and public gathering areas.
The closures did not necessarily mean both businesses would disappear permanently. Before the shutdown, Turk’s was among the businesses discussing potential opportunities to return to the redeveloped harbor. However, a confirmed reopening date had not been announced.
Proud Mary’s future was also uncertain, with its next location dependent on available restaurant space.
For longtime customers, the October 31 closures marked the end of an era at one of Orange County’s best-known waterfront destinations.
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