Earthquakes Near San Francisco Today
Live answer from USGS data — every earthquake within 150 km (93 mi) of San Francisco, California.
Checking live USGS data near San Francisco…
Why San Francisco gets earthquakes
San Francisco is bracketed by two of the country's most dangerous faults. The San Andreas runs just offshore and through the Peninsula — it produced the 1906 earthquake (M7.9) that destroyed most of the city — while the Hayward fault runs under the densely populated East Bay across the bay.
The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake (M6.9), centered in the Santa Cruz Mountains about 60 miles south, collapsed a section of the Bay Bridge and the Cypress Freeway. The USGS gives the Bay Area roughly a 72% chance of an M6.7 or larger quake by 2043, with the Hayward fault considered the most likely source.
San Francisco earthquake FAQ
▸Did San Francisco 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 Francisco 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 Francisco?
The San Andreas fault runs along the San Francisco Peninsula and produced the 1906 M7.9 earthquake. The Hayward fault crosses the East Bay, and the smaller San Gregorio fault lies offshore. Small quakes on any of these are routinely felt in the city.
▸What magnitude earthquake can you feel in San Francisco, 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 Francisco?
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.