A scenic picture taken of Tomales Bay located in Marin County, California. Tomales bay is a coastal estuary located on the central California coast approximately 40 miles northwest of San Francisco. Tomales Bay is a vital ecosystem with clean water and diverse wildlife. Residents and visitors cherish its open waters, shoreline, scenic beauty and serenity. People enjoy diverse activities in a landscape that expresses rural and wilderness qualities, and supports limited and sustainable levels of use and development.