Tomales

Tomales is an unincorporated community in western Marin County, California, United States. It lies on the eastern shore of Tomales Bay along a coastal highway in Marin County, about 40 miles northwest of San Francisco. The surrounding area is rural, with ranches, farms, and small businesses serving residents and visitors.

The area was historically inhabited by the Coast Miwok and was later settled for dairy farming and ranching in the 19th century. The community developed around agriculture and transportation routes that connected Marin County communities.

Tomales Bay is the central geographic feature near the community. The bay supports oyster farming and commercial fishing, and the waterway is used for kayaking, sailing, and wildlife viewing. Nearby Tomales Bay State Park and Point Reyes National Seashore attract outdoor recreation for residents and visitors alike.

Today Tomales is a small, rural community with limited commercial activity and a mix of residential ranches and seasonal tourism. It is part of Marin County, known for protected open space, coastal landscapes, and agricultural heritage.