I'll echo the recommendations for Catalina and the dive boats already mentioned, as well as the day boats listed here:
Southern California's Boat Diving Schedule - Online Reservations
I haven't dived NorCal yet but I can tell you 5 degrees is actually a big difference. Also, I've been to the NorCal coast many times and I can tell you the air is usually much cooler up there than down here, and that makes a bigger difference than you might think. So yeah, SoCal is probably worth the drive.
One thing you might consider is paying for guided dives at Casino Point on Catalina through Catalina Diver's Supply. Theoretically, your OW course should prepare you and your daughter to plan and execute your own dives together without the help of a guide or instructor. In reality, OW courses tend to be very cursory introductions that really skimp especially on dive planning, navigation, risk assessment, and other tools you need to be independent. Most newly-certified divers would benefit from a little extra time with a professional. Unfortunately, unlike many popular diving destinations, California dive boats tend not to offer guides unless you make special arrangements in advance and pay a lot extra. (I've been quoted $100 plus the full fare for the extra person, so another ~$240 on top of the ~$140 I'd pay for just myself). The cost of a guide at Casino Point isn't necessarily cheaper (I believe it's $78 per person for the first dive and $65 pp for each subsequent dive if you're not renting equipment from them; the first dive is $115 with equipment which is then yours for the day), but the price structure offers some flexibility, and their guides are really good. I did 2 guided dives with them right after I got certified, another 3 after my drysuit course, and others at various times when I've been trying new things or just needed to hire a buddy (FYI it's $20 extra if you're the only person signed up.) All the guides I've had have been instructors, many of them breathing compressed air longer than I've been breathing, and they've all helped me improve my skills and confidence. They've also shown me more stuff than I've seen diving the same park with experienced buddies. You could take the 8:15 ferry from Long Beach, book (in advance!) a guided dive at 10, and then play it by ear; they might have someone available for a second and third dive at noon and 2, or you might decide you can plan and execute your own second dive, or you can decide that was enough and go take a warm shower ($3 for 5 minutes just up the road) and get some burgers ($way more than burgers should cost, because everything is expensive on the island, but all food tastes incredible after you've worked up an appetite diving.)
Whatever you decide to do, have fun and good luck!