I've heard good reports about Mazzei Flight School in (I think) San Jose, California,although I haven't flown with them myself.
A bit more expensive than many of the Florida schools but in a very attractive part of the country not far from San Francisco. Very varied flying over mountain and coastal terrain,and a good chance of encountering real IFR if you intend to do the FAA/IR there.
They have an informative website. Good luck.