What changes for residents: Wind and Sea Restaurant, a long-running waterfront dining destination that many Orange residents have frequented for sunsets, celebrations and weekend dinners, will close on Sept. 15, 2026, the restaurant announced in a social post July 15.
The restaurant at 34699 Golden Lantern in Dana Point Harbor opened in 1972 and built a reputation for prime-cut steaks, fresh seafood and harbor views. The team said the closure begins a “60-day countdown” to its final service.
Legacy and local significance
For more than five decades Wind and Sea has been part of the coastal dining circuit that draws residents across Orange County. The business began as a prime steakhouse founded by Robert Mardian, then expanded its menu and profile as visitors came for both food and the harbor setting.
Management reflected on the restaurant’s role in the community, writing:
“Throughout the years, we have shared countless moments of laughter, love, friendship, community, and of course, the world’s best Mai Tai.”
They added that the business had been honored to be part of guests’ traditions.
“We are honored to have been part of your celebrations, your traditions, and your lives,”they wrote as they invited patrons to visit in the final weeks.
What to expect in the coming weeks
The Wind and Sea team described the announcement as the start of a two-month wind-down. The public can expect regular service through Sept. 15; the restaurant asked the community to join for final meals and memories.
- Final day: Sept. 15, 2026 (last meal service)
- Location: 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point Harbor
- Founded: 1972 by Robert Mardian
Local consequences
The closure removes a longtime harbor dining option that drew not only tourists but local groups from Orange seeking a waterfront setting for birthdays, anniversaries and business dinners. It may also affect foot traffic in Dana Point Harbor businesses that benefited from restaurant patrons.
While the restaurant did not provide a reason for the closure in its public message, the announcement leaves a well-known harbor space open for potential new operators or redevelopment. Residents who regularly dined at Wind and Sea may need to find alternative venues for waterfront views and similar menu offerings.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point Harbor |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Closing date | Sept. 15, 2026 |
For Orange residents who consider Wind and Sea part of regional dining history, the coming weeks offer a final chance to revisit a spot many have marked on special occasions. The restaurant’s social post thanked the community for decades of support and encouraged guests to return during the final service period.
News Block will monitor any announcements from property owners or local agencies about the harbor space after Sept. 15 and will report on plans that may affect Orange-area visitors and businesses that rely on Dana Point’s dining draw.
