Earthquakes Near San Diego Today
Live answer from USGS data — every earthquake within 150 km (93 mi) of San Diego, California.
Checking live USGS data near San Diego…
Why San Diego gets earthquakes
San Diego feels quieter than Los Angeles or the Bay Area, but the Rose Canyon fault runs directly through the city — under Mount Soledad, Old Town, and downtown — and is considered capable of an earthquake in the M6.5–6.9 range. Offshore, the Coronado Bank and San Diego Trough faults add to the hazard.
Many of the quakes San Diegans feel are actually centered elsewhere: in the Imperial Valley to the east, in northern Baja California (like the 2010 El Mayor–Cucapah M7.2, which swayed buildings across San Diego), or along the San Jacinto fault zone inland.
San Diego earthquake FAQ
▸Did San Diego just have an earthquake?
The live panel at the top of this page checks the USGS catalog for every earthquake within 150 km of San Diego and answers in one line. Keep in mind USGS data lags real shaking by roughly 2–3 minutes in California and up to ~8 minutes in other regions — if you felt something seconds ago, refresh shortly.
▸What faults cause earthquakes near San Diego?
The Rose Canyon fault runs directly under San Diego and could produce an M6.5–6.9 quake. San Diego also feels quakes from the Imperial Valley, the San Jacinto fault zone, and northern Baja California, plus offshore faults like Coronado Bank.
▸What magnitude earthquake can you feel in San Diego, CA?
Close to the epicenter, people typically begin to feel earthquakes around magnitude 2.5–3.0. An M4+ is felt across a wide area and rattles objects; M5+ can damage buildings near the epicenter. Shallow quakes feel stronger than deep ones of the same magnitude, and soft soils amplify shaking.
▸What should I do if I feel an earthquake in San Diego?
Drop, Cover, and Hold On — get low, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until shaking stops. Afterward, check for hazards like gas leaks, and expect possible aftershocks. If you're in a coastal area and the shaking is strong or lasts a long time, move inland or to high ground. Official guidance: ready.gov/earthquakes.