This post covers a preliminary 2.9-magnitude earthquake that hit near the San Francisco Zoo late Saturday night. The timing was logged at 11:39 p.m. local time.
The quake struck at a shallow depth of about 7 kilometers. It adds to the ongoing seismic activity that Bay Area residents—from San Rafael and Mill Valley to Sausalito and Tiburon—are tracking through USGS updates and regional alerts.
Discover hand-picked hotels and vacation homes tailored for every traveler. Skip booking fees and secure your dream stay today with real-time availability!
Browse Accommodations Now
What happened and where
The epicenter landed near the San Francisco Zoo, right on the northeastern edge of the Bay Area. Its shallow depth means people could’ve felt shaking across a good stretch of the city and surrounding counties.
This includes Marin’s coastal towns and hillside communities, from Fairfax to San Anselmo. As night settled in, folks from Larkspur to Corte Madera listened for aftershocks and checked for official updates.
The Bay Area sits on top of several active fault lines. Earthquakes of this size aren’t exactly rare in the region’s seismic patchwork.
People in Marin tend to know the drill when it comes to quake prep. Many keep emergency plans handy and watch for updates, especially during those clusters of quakes that make everyone a bit jumpy.
USGS data and updates
The U.S. Geological Survey logged the event at a preliminary magnitude of 2.9. It happened at a depth of 6.96 kilometers, with a timestamp of 11:39 p.m. local time.
Authorities didn’t report any immediate damage or injuries in their initial briefing. The USGS event page has deeper data, like maps, shakemap intensity, and seismic signals from nearby areas.
How to track alerts and share felt shaking
USGS digital tools give real-time—or almost real-time—updates on Bay Area earthquakes. Their interactive fault maps let curious Marin residents explore local geology and see how fault systems connect to recent tremors.
- USGS Earthquake Event Page — your main source for magnitude, depth, time, and aftershock info.
- USGS Bay Area quake alerts — sign up for notifications to get updates when new quakes hit.
- Interactive fault maps — check out the underlying fault systems in Marin and the wider Bay Area.
- Felt-shaking reports — readers can submit what they felt to help improve impact assessments.
What this means for Marin County and preparedness
For Marin County communities—from the edge of the San Francisco Peninsula in Sausalito to the inland pockets of San Anselmo and Fairfax—this quake really brings home why preparedness matters. Towns along the Larkspur waterfront and the hilly streets of Mill Valley benefit from rehearsed emergency plans.
The residential blocks of San Rafael, too, need secured furnishings in homes and small businesses. In neighborhoods around Novato and Ross, folks usually keep emergency kits with water, flashlights, and a basic first-aid supply on hand.
City offices in Tiburon and Corte Madera often remind people to clear exterior paths. They also ask residents to secure outdoor items that could turn into projectiles if a stronger tremor hits.
Officials keep urging vigilance, especially since the Bay Area deals with small-to-moderate earthquakes on the Hayward, San Andreas, and other fault systems. Marin County readers should check USGS updates and local advisories.
It’s smart to know your evacuation routes and join community preparedness events. This story was first published April 25, 2026, and updated April 26, 2026, as new details came in from federal and regional sources.
Towns from San Rafael to Sausalito, Mill Valley to Novato, and everywhere in between are staying connected through the digital channels that really knit Marin neighborhoods together. It’s not always easy to stay ready, but it feels necessary here.
Here is the source article for this story: Two small earthquakes strike near San Francisco Zoo
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
