It started out as a restaurant, and eventually hosted such artists as Dick Dale, Janis Joplin, Arlo Guthrie, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Doors, Jackson Browne, Jimi Hendrix, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Dave Mason, Tower of Power, The Chambers Brothers, José Feliciano, Hoyt Axton, Bonnie Raitt, Rory Gallagher, Bill Monroe, Steve Martin and Jerry Garcia.
It moved to its location at 306 Pacific Coast Highway (then called Ocean Avenue) on June 29, 1929, shortly before the Great Depression.
Bob Dylan appeared at a Golden Bear Presents concert at Long Beach Wilson High School in December 1964.
Musicians performing during this time period included Janis Joplin,[5] Neil Young, The Flying Burrito Brothers,[6] Jimmy Reed,[7] Seals and Crofts, Richie Havens, and others.
They continued to book a diverse list of entertainers, such as Jeff Lorber Fusion with Kenny G, Muddy Waters, Jerry Garcia,[11] Patti Smith, Cheap Trick, The Ramones, The Bongos, Agent Orange, Arlo Guthrie,[12] Maria Muldaur,[13] Peter Gabriel and comedian Steve Martin.
[15] The Golden Bear closed because of the costs involved in retrofitting the brick building for seismic compliance and the redevelopment of downtown Huntington Beach.
Honk, David Lindley, Ray Manzarek of The Doors, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Chris Hillman and Herb Pederson were among the performers for the city's 100-year anniversary.