^^^^funny, I was just commenting to my buddy that with the air crisp, the water feels nice.
I agree with Hugh on the conditions thing. When I first moved here from New England, i was shocked how rarely it is really glassy and calm. More often than not, you are dealing with some kind of wind issue when you leave town. Still, consistency is nice, especially if you prefer a thicker, heavier wave.
Every time I surfed SoCal, it has been much more clean and lined up. It has also been much smaller, and generally weaker. Still, I've had plenty of fun at Salt Creek, Trestles and Redondo over the years. OTOH, I find surfing with 12 people to be crowded. If you don't mind the shoulder to should surfing of Lowers, you'd be happy in town, which is tends toward clean.
3.5 hours to KW is best case scenario for me. Leaving at 4AM, midweek, with no weather or road issues. 4 is more typical. And can grow to 5 or more if you get clipped at the pass.
Further north would be enticing for me, but my wife prefers to live closer to people. Once you get past Marin, it is rural. But having the southern Cascades within 2 hours sounds nice. But once up there, there is very limited lift serve if that is a preference.
This weekend, I surfed with crowds. 12 guys yesterday at a long warbled point, and 16 guys today, at a different warbled point about a mile away. Had fun both times, but conditions were a far cry from last weekend and last Wednesday.