[kjkjadksj]

Also ready access to variance in temperatures. Its possible to surf and ski in one day with a brief stop in the mojave desert in between.

[ghaff]

Whatever issues I have with California, the climate and nature overall are hard to beat relative to just about anywhere on the planet.

[kgwgk]

Not sure what "anywheres" are you including in your comparison but when it comes to variety geographical extension matters. California is larger than Japan or New Zealand (it's also more compact though).

[irrational]

You can do the same thing in Oregon, and you can do it 365 days out of the year (if you ski at Timberline). And there is no desert in between.

[hackeraccount]

Bring a wet suit for the surfing.