Among the features included in the original design are wrought iron chandeliers, tapestries, gold ornamentation, and heraldic shields.

[3] The interior features walls are inspired by a Castilian castle, and the ceiling has a fresco of a "canopy" with slight borders of "sky" showing around the perimeter.

For a long time the Golden State Theatre was the largest theater between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Beginning in February 2019 an ongoing exhibit hosted at the theatre called "Selfieville" attracted paying customers interested in taking self-portrait photos (selfies) in front of unusual and colorful backgrounds.

Theatres of all kinds, including the Golden State, suffered a drastic loss of revenues during enforced shutdowns that were implemented to limit the spread of the virus.

The Lochtefelds sold the theatre later that month for $4.5 million to the general manager of The Catalyst, a nightclub located in Santa Cruz.

[9] As of August 2021 the Golden State Theatre had a mix of musical and comedic acts scheduled,[10] following a pattern of recent years where among the live performers on stage were comedians Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno and Ray Romano, as well as musical acts including Clint Black, David Crosby, and Chris Isaak.