Earthquakes Near Santa Cruz Today
Live answer from USGS data — every earthquake within 150 km (93 mi) of Santa Cruz, California.
Checking live USGS data near Santa Cruz…
Why Santa Cruz gets earthquakes
Santa Cruz was one of the hardest-hit cities in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake (M6.9), whose epicenter was in the Santa Cruz Mountains just a few miles northeast. Much of the historic Pacific Garden Mall downtown collapsed or had to be demolished, and three people died in the city.
The San Andreas fault runs through the mountains behind the city, and the Zayante and San Gregorio faults add local sources. Small quakes in the Loma Prieta zone and offshore in Monterey Bay are still regularly felt along the coast here.
Santa Cruz earthquake FAQ
▸Did Santa Cruz just have an earthquake?
The live panel at the top of this page checks the USGS catalog for every earthquake within 150 km of Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz?
The San Andreas fault runs through the Santa Cruz Mountains just northeast of the city — the 1989 Loma Prieta M6.9 quake ruptured a nearby segment. The Zayante fault and the offshore San Gregorio fault zone also produce local quakes.
▸What magnitude earthquake can you feel in Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz?
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.