Seismic Monitor
San Diego earthquakes today: live seismic activity and fault line monitoring
Use this page to monitor recent earthquakes in San Diego, see where seismic activity is clustering, and explore individual event details.
Recent earthquakes in San Diego
Seismic events sorted by the latest updates with detail links for deeper context.
| Event | Severity |
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Seismic hotspots
Where activity is clustering
About this tracker
San Diego's Fault Systems
San Diego sits atop several active fault systems that pose moderate to significant seismic risk. The Rose Canyon Fault runs directly through the city, from La Jolla through Mission Bay, downtown San Diego, and south into Coronado. To the east, the Elsinore Fault and San Jacinto Fault are capable of producing magnitude 7+ earthquakes.
While San Diego experiences fewer earthquakes than Los Angeles or San Francisco, the Rose Canyon Fault is capable of a magnitude 6.9 earthquake — significant enough to cause major damage in a city that has not experienced a large earthquake in modern times. This seismic "quiet" may actually indicate that stress is building. Track the latest activity on our live earthquake tracker.
San Diego Seismic Hazards
Beyond direct shaking, San Diego faces earthquake-related hazards including liquefaction in low-lying coastal areas (Mission Bay, Harbor Island, Coronado), landslides in hillside communities (La Jolla, Point Loma), and tsunami risk along the coast. A magnitude 7+ earthquake on the Rose Canyon Fault could generate a local tsunami within minutes — far less warning time than a distant Pacific earthquake.
San Diego's proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border also means earthquakes in Baja California are felt in the city. The 2010 El Mayor-Cucapah earthquake (M7.2) centered in Baja California was strongly felt throughout San Diego County. Check tsunami warnings whenever significant seismic activity occurs near the California coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego at risk for earthquakes?
Yes. San Diego has multiple active fault systems including the Rose Canyon Fault running through the city, capable of a magnitude 6.9 earthquake. The region also feels earthquakes from the San Jacinto, Elsinore, and faults in Baja California, Mexico.
What fault runs through San Diego?
The Rose Canyon Fault runs from La Jolla through Mission Bay, under downtown San Diego, and into Coronado. It is part of a larger fault zone that includes the Newport-Inglewood Fault to the north. The Elsinore and San Jacinto Faults lie to the east.
When was the last major earthquake in San Diego?
San Diego has not experienced a major damaging earthquake in modern times, which is actually a concern — it may mean stress is accumulating. The most recent notable earthquake was the 2010 M7.2 El Mayor-Cucapah earthquake centered in Baja California, which was strongly felt in San Diego.
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Last updated 3/15/2026, 1:04:38 PM