Local Gem: Tabula Rasa in Manhattan Beach, California

Local Gem is RetailMeNot’s new editorial series celebrating standout indie shops across the United States. Discover hidden treasures near you, travel to one, or shop their one-of-a-kind finds online.

At first blush, the name just doesn’t make sense. In Latin, tabula rasa means “blank slate,” and it’s an idea 17^th century philosopher John Locke used as the basis for his theory that people are born as blank sheets of paper “void of all characters, without any ideas.” 

No character? No personality? No ideas? Nothing could be further from Manhattan Beach’s Tabula Rasa. 

But of course, there’s another interpretation of the phrase: A tabula rasa can also be something that exists in a perfect natural state…like, say, golden sand and clear blue water.  It’s rare that a store can feel like a day at the beach inside and out, but Tabula Rasa exudes that vibe throughout. After you peruse the bright and airy boutique filled with stunning wood and stone cutting boards designed to look like the crest of the ocean on the beach, soft, breezy sweatshirts tailor-made for early morning “June Gloom” walks along the boardwalk, and tableware that screams “outdoor deck dinner party,” you then step outside practically onto the sand with the Pacific Ocean stretched out in front of you. Tabula Rasa has loads of personality and a character that is completely and unmistakably “Manhattan Beach” through and through. Almost as if it had existed here in a perfect, harmonious natural state from the very beginning.  

Tabula Rasa is located at 919A Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 

“Downtown Manhattan Beach is a truly special community filled with talented entrepreneurs, passionate business owners, and dedicated staff,” says Tabula Rasa owner Maureen McBride. “And they are all deeply invested in the success and character of our town.” 

The Story Behind Tabula Rasa

McBride spent years helping iconic brands express themselves and find their style – names like Disney, Limited Too, and jean brands Lucky Brand Dungarees, Levi Strauss, and Lee. All the while she knew she wanted to eventually put all of her years of experience and expertise into something of her own. 

“I spent 18 years in the fashion industry,” says McBride. “These roles were fast-paced and global, requiring a keen eye for trends, a deep understanding of product-to-market strategy, and a strong focus on financial results. Eventually the breadth of my experience gave me the tools and confidence to take the leap and launch my own business.”  

In May 2000, the first incarnation of Tabula Rasa opened its doors on Manhattan Avenue in the heart of Manhattan Beach, CA – a sun-kissed community with a slow-paced, mellow vibe that feels worlds away from the hustle of Los Angeles proper. Five years later, the boutique moved into a new space nearby that saw it double in size. McBride and her team are now toasting the 25^th anniversary of that risky (but calculated) leap of faith. 

“What truly inspired my shift was the opportunity to build something personal — something rooted in community,” McBride explains. “I loved the idea of working directly with artisans, helping small brands grow, and curating a product assortment that could be tailored to my customers’ tastes. I wanted a space that served both locals and visitors with something fresh, thoughtful, and inspiring.” 

Of course, those 25 years weren’t always easy breezy, but McBride’s clear vision for what kind of place Tabula Rasa would be – a thoughtfully curated mix of fashion, lifestyle products, home goods, and quirky items with a distinct laidback sense of humor – helped her navigate it all without losing sight of her ultimate goals. She also felt that location was integral to Tabula Rasa; the boutique’s story, its little details and its whole vibe just feel so aligned with Manhattan Beach that it almost couldn’t exist anywhere else. “Opening a boutique in Southern California came with both exciting opportunities and unique challenges,” she says. “Standing out in a highly competitive market in a region saturated by retail options required strong brand identity, and a product mix that felt both curated and distinct.” High rent in an extremely competitive and well-to-do neighborhood, in addition to local regulations around parking, building and other operating logistics, set a high bar for success. McBride drew on her vast industry experience to source products, discover emerging brands and build relationships with independent artists and designers.  McBride admits she was very hands-on and “wore many hats” at the start to make sure her vision was served as well as her customers. Or should that be “guests”? 

“Yes, we call our customers ‘guests’ and want them to feel welcomed, inspired, and genuinely cared for from the moment they walk through the door!” 

What You’ll Find Inside 

According to McBride, the vibe of Tabula Rasa is “effortlessly coastal cool,” and you feel that the minute you step through the door. The sea breeze just seems to follow you in – maybe it’s even gently guiding you in – and the shop’s bright interior and simple, unfussy but elegant displays just invite casual browsing whether you’re looking for a unique gift or a truly memorable souvenir. 

“The atmosphere is friendly, personal, and lighthearted, and we invite guests to linger, explore, and connect,” says McBride. “It’s less about shopping and more about experiencing a sense of community and style that feels both fresh and timeless.”

McBride explains that some of the store’s most popular items tend to run the gamut from beauty products to home goods to locally made gifts. People come in looking for “a touch of surprise,” as McBride puts it, and will just as likely be drawn to a signature candle with a coastal-inspired scent as they would be a handmade charcuterie board or even a Manhattan Beach souvenir hat and T-shirt. 

“I wouldn’t say we have anything truly strange, but we definitely carry items with a playful edge,” she says. “There’s always a section in the shop that draws people in — we know they’ve found it when we hear laughter! We love featuring merchandise that’s a little sassy, cheeky, or laugh-out-loud funny. It keeps the energy light and unexpected, and honestly, my team and I love a good laugh just as much as our guests do.”

Products like Kai Bathing Bubbles help bring a sense of natural calm to your own bathroom…

Price: $32 at Tabula Rasa Essentials

Playful cutting and Charcuterie boards designed by Lynn Liana Serveware – like this surfboard-shaped board – illustrate the clever mix of elegant design and beachy fun. 

Price: $99.50 at Tabula Rasa Essentials

Or find some fun party inspiration in a book like Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist.

Price: $17 at Tabula Rasa

The store is even offering a special cap designed by California artist Ethel Martinez depicting a bear in a firefighter’s helmet hugging the state, with 100% of the proceeds going to relief organizations working to help those impacted by the devastating January 2025 wildfires. 

Price: $28 at Tabula Rasa Essentials

And then, of course, there’s what you’ll find outside the store as well.

When you stand outside my shop, you’re greeted by the breathtaking Pacific Ocean. Waves rolling in, dolphins playing, seagulls soaring, magical sunrises and sunsets,” says McBride. “You breathe in the salty sea air, hear the thwump of beach volleyballs and joyful laughter. It’s an energy that shapes everything about the store.” 

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A Peek Into Tabula Rasa’s Community

Manhattan Avenue is the main drag of Manhattan Beach, dotted with high-end boutiques, family-friendly ice cream shops, casual eateries and eclectic boutiques. It’s the kind of place where you wouldn’t be made to feel out of place if you were dressed in your casual chic best or if you popped in wearing trunks and flip flops on your way to the beach. 

Being a part of the fabric of the community in Manhattan Beach is something close to McBride’s heart, and the store is active in fundraisers, local nonprofits and other neighborhood initiatives. 

“Community is at the heart of everything we do,” says McBride. “In addition to participating in downtown-wide events, we host in-store events like pop-ups with local makers, seasonal gatherings, and give-back shopping nights where a portion of proceeds benefit causes close to our hearts. Supporting our community is a core part of our mission and something we’re deeply proud of.” 

If it wasn’t clear enough that McBride is interested in doing more than just paying lip service to community involvement, she has not only been a part of Downtown Manhattan Beach’s business and professional association for more than 20 years, she has also served as president of the organization three times. 

This deep investment in the success of the area not only means more foot traffic and better sales, but it has also fostered a strong sense of collaboration and mutual support among her neighbors, including surf brand Nikau Kai and trendy eatery Slay Italian Kitchen.  

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How to Shop Tabula Rasa If You Don’t Live in Manhattan Beach

In case it isn’t abundantly clear, Tabula Rasa is all about soaking up the beach vibes…but also making sure you can take a piece of it home with you. And that extends to people who may be thousands of miles from ever setting foot in Manhattan Beach. 

As McBride explains, “We aim to bring the in-store experience to our online clients, making sure they receive the same thoughtful attention and service that define our boutique, no matter where they are.” 

The Tabula Rasa website features many of the boutique’s best-selling items, including pieces created by local artisans that aren’t available anywhere else. McBride and her team even offer real-time video calls to virtually walk people through the store, and will send photos upon request for people looking to see certain items more up close. 

“Our core audience is local, but we also warmly welcome visitors from anywhere who seek an authentic beach shopping experience rooted in a relaxed, friendly, and fun spirit!” 

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