If you’ve lived in San Francisco for more than five minutes, you know the "Walgreens shuffle." It’s that frantic mental map you draw when you realize your local spot has shuttered, and you need to find a pharmacy that actually has human beings behind the counter. For those hanging out in SoMa or catching a Caltrain at 4th and Townsend, Walgreens 4th Street San Francisco CA (specifically the one at 670 4th Street) has become something of a neighborhood anchor.
Honestly, it’s a weirdly vital spot.
✨ Don't miss: You Think You're a Man: The Biology and Psychology of Masculinity Explained
While other locations across the city have been closing their doors faster than a startup burning through Series A funding, the 670 4th St location remains a bit of a survivor. It’s tucked right at the northwest corner of 4th and Townsend, literally steps away from the train station. If you’re a commuter, you’ve likely ducked in here for a last-minute Gatorade or a bottle of ibuprofen before a long ride.
The Reality of Shopping at 670 4th Street
Let’s be real for a second. Shopping at any pharmacy in downtown San Francisco can feel a bit... intense. You’ve probably seen the headlines about "retail theft" and "locked cabinets." Yes, the Walgreens 4th Street San Francisco CA location has plenty of items behind plexiglass. It’s annoying to wait for an associate to unlock the deodorant, but that’s basically the tax we pay for living in the city right now.
The store hours are actually pretty decent for the area.
Usually, they’re open from 7 am to 10 pm on weekdays, and 8 am to 10 pm on weekends.
But here is the kicker: the pharmacy has different hours. Do not—I repeat, do not—show up at 9:30 pm expecting to pick up a script. The pharmacy usually closes at 9 pm on weekdays and as early as 5 pm or 6 pm on weekends. Also, they take a mandatory meal break from 1:30 pm to 2 pm daily. If you show up then, you’ll be staring at a closed gate and a very tired-looking sign.
🔗 Read more: Is the Antiga 1860 Luxury Candle 90oz Actually Worth the Massive Price Tag?
Why This Specific Location Still Matters
Why does everyone talk about this specific store? Well, it’s about the geography.
With the recent wave of closures—including the massive one at 825 Market and several others in the Mission and Nob Hill—the Walgreens 4th Street San Francisco CA branch is carrying a much heavier load. It’s a "full service" spot, meaning it’s not just a place for snacks.
They handle:
- Medication Compounding: Not every Walgreens does this.
- Immunizations: You can usually get your COVID-19 or flu shots here, though you should definitely book an appointment online first.
- FedEx Returns: This is a lifesaver if you don’t want to trek to a dedicated FedEx office. You can drop off labeled packages or even print labels in-store.
- Photo Lab: They still do same-day prints and passport photos, which is surprisingly hard to find in SoMa these days.
Dealing With the "San Francisco Pharmacy" Headache
Kinda like every other pharmacy in the 415 area code, the reviews for this place are a mixed bag. People complain about the lines. They complain about the phone system. Actually, trying to call the pharmacy department directly can feel like trying to win the lottery.
One tip? Use the Walgreens app. It’s not perfect, but it beats sitting on hold for 20 minutes just to ask if your prescription is ready. The app will ping you when it’s actually in the bin.
Also, be aware of the "stock out" issue. Because this store is so close to the Caltrain and the Oracle Park crowd, they run out of high-demand items—like specific brands of electrolytes or sunscreen on game days—pretty quickly. If you’re heading to a Giants game and need supplies, get there early.
💡 You might also like: Koch-Liefer Funeral Home Obituaries: What Most People Get Wrong
The Infrastructure of 670 4th St
The layout is pretty standard, but it’s a bit cramped.
There is a Bank of the West ATM inside, which is handy.
Parking? Forget it. There’s no dedicated lot. You’re looking at street parking on Townsend or 4th, which is basically a competitive sport in San Francisco. Most people just walk in from the T-Third Muni line or the Caltrain platform.
For those coming from out of town:
- From the South: Take I-280 N and exit onto 4th St. The store is right there on your left as you hit the Townsend intersection.
- From the North: Take US-101 S, exit onto 7th St, and snake your way over via Berry St.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Store
People assume that because it’s a "big chain," everything is automated. It’s not. The staff at Walgreens 4th Street San Francisco CA are often working under high pressure because of the volume of people coming from the trains. A little bit of "please" and "thank you" goes a long way here.
Another misconception is that it's a 24-hour location. It is not. If you have a 3 am emergency, you’re going to have to trek over to the 24-hour Walgreens on Castro Street (498 Castro St). That is the only one left in the city that truly never sleeps.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Check the App First: Check the stock levels on the app before you walk over. It’s fairly accurate for this location.
- Timing the Pharmacy: If you need to talk to a pharmacist, go between 10 am and 11:30 am. It’s usually the "sweet spot" before the lunch rush and the afternoon commute madness.
- Use the QR Codes: For FedEx returns, have your QR code ready on your phone. The staff can scan it and print the label for you right there.
- Vaccine Booking: Don’t just walk in for a booster. This location gets slammed with commuters, and they prioritize appointments.
While the retail landscape in SF is constantly shifting, Walgreens 4th Street San Francisco CA remains a reliable, if sometimes busy, part of the SoMa ecosystem. Just remember to check the pharmacy hours separately from the store hours so you don't get stranded.
Next Steps for You: If you need to transfer a prescription to this location, the easiest way is to call your current pharmacy and give them the 670 4th St store number (#1297). Or, better yet, use the "Transfer Rx" feature in the Walgreens mobile app to avoid the phone tag entirely.