Cardiff is composed of 3 distinct districts, two of which are west of Interstate 5. The Composer District is north of Birmingham Avenue. The Walking District is south of Birmingham Avenue, east of Interstate 5 is Poinsettia Heights and the Crest Drive corridor. Cardiff boasts the rural small beach community atmosphere, there is a central shopping district with various boutique shops and a government market/deli called Seaside Market. Across from the center is Pipes Café which is known for its local flavor and excellent breakfastand lunch fare. The library, post office, and Glen Park are all within four blocks of one another. Perhaps the best feature is Cardiff’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean; all homes in both the Composer and Walking Districts are within a 10 to 15 minute walk to the beach.

Cardiff is famous for its surfing, but offers a range of water-related activities such as swimming, sunbathing, windsurfing, parasailing, and just strolling along the beach.