The US Geological Survey reported a preliminary 4.7 magnitude quake centred 7km north of Malibu.
The temblor was about 11km below the surface, USGS said.
The jolt was felt as far as 72km away in Orange County where some people reported their lamps swaying and other items moving in their homes.
Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass said fire authorities are surveying the city.
There were no immediate reports of injuries.
The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services said it was actively monitoring the quake and checking for any damage.
People took to social media to post they were awakened by a jolt early on Wednesday, including several celebrities who posted on X.
Paris Hilton wrote on X "That #Earthquake was scary" and Khloe Kardashian posted "Damn that was a big one".
A number of quakes have hit the area this year.
A 4.4 magnitude earthquake in August was felt from the Los Angeles area all the way to San Diego, swaying buildings, rattling dishes and setting off car alarms
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