You’re driving down Shields Avenue in Fresno, maybe headed toward Highway 41, and you realize you forgot that one prescription or a basic bottle of ibuprofen. If you’re like most locals, you’re looking for the CVS First and Shields location. But here’s the thing: if you just plug "First and Shields" into your GPS, you might end up circling the block or pulling into the wrong parking lot.
Technically, the "First and Shields" CVS isn't exactly on the corner of First and Shields. It's actually situated at 3011 E Shields Ave, Fresno, CA 93726. It sits just slightly west of the First Street intersection. If you cross First Street going east, you’ll run into a different CVS inside the Target at 3173 E Shields Ave.
Confusing? Kinda.
Honestly, this specific stretch of Fresno is a pharmacy gauntlet. You've got two CVS locations within a three-minute walk of each other, plus a Walgreens and a Walmart Pharmacy nearby. Navigating it requires knowing exactly which "Shields" location you’re actually aiming for.
Why This Specific Fresno Spot Is a Local Hub
The 3011 E Shields location is a standalone store. That matters.
Unlike the CVS tucked inside the Target nearby, the standalone store offers a drive-thru. For anyone who has tried to find a parking spot in that crowded Manchester Center-adjacent area during a lunch rush, a drive-thru is a lifesaver. It’s the difference between a five-minute errand and a twenty-minute ordeal.
Hours and Accessibility
People often assume every CVS is open 24/7. Not this one. Generally, the pharmacy at CVS First and Shields operates on a schedule like this:
- Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The retail side of the store—where you grab your milk, makeup, or seasonal décor—usually stays open a bit later than the pharmacy counter. It’s a good idea to call ahead at (559) 224-2965 if you’re cutting it close to closing time, especially on weekends when the staff starts wrapping up early.
The "Shields" Confusion: Standalone vs. Target
You've probably done it before. You tell someone to meet you at the CVS on Shields, and they end up at the one in Target while you’re standing by the photo kiosks at the standalone store.
- 3011 E Shields Ave: This is the full-service, standalone CVS Pharmacy. It has the red-tiled roof, the drive-thru, and the full selection of grocery and household items.
- 3173 E Shields Ave: This is the CVS Pharmacy located inside the Fresno South Target. It’s great if you’re already shopping for clothes or home goods, but it doesn't have a drive-thru and follows Target’s internal store hours.
If you’re picking up a heavy prescription or need specific medical equipment, the standalone 3011 location is usually the better bet. They handle a higher volume of local insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid (Medi-Cal) options, and have more floor space for durable medical equipment like walkers or braces.
Navigating the Shields Avenue Traffic
Let’s talk about the reality of getting there. Shields Avenue is a major artery. During the 5:00 PM rush, turning left out of that parking lot back onto Shields can feel like a high-stakes game of Frogger.
If you’re coming from the north, take CA-41 South and exit at Shields. It’s literally right there. If you’re coming from the east, it’s often easier to take Dakota or Ashlan to avoid some of the First Street congestion before dipping down into the shopping center.
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Insurance, Savings, and the "Secret" Discounts
One thing people miss about this location is the specific partnership it has with local plans. Because it’s so close to the medical offices around the Fresno VA Medical Center and various clinics on First Street, the pharmacists here are pretty savvy with local coverage.
They frequently work with Inside Rx and WellRx coupons. If your insurance co-pay is weirdly high, basically just ask them, "Is there a discount card for this?" Most of the time, they can find a coupon that brings a $60 drug down to $12. It’s not a "secret," but most people are in such a rush they never bother to ask.
Services Beyond the Pharmacy Counter
While the pharmacy is the heart of the operation, this location is a mini-department store for the neighborhood.
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- Photo Printing: One of the few places left in the area with a reliable 1-hour photo kiosk.
- Immunizations: They do the standard flu, COVID, and shingles shots. You’re better off making an appointment online than walking in, though.
- Money Services: You can handle UPS access point drop-offs and some basic wire transfers here.
How to Get in and Out Quickly
If you want to avoid the "Shields Shuffle," try to visit between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM. The morning rush of people dropping off scripts is over, and the lunch-break crowd hasn't arrived yet.
Also, use the CVS app. Seriously. You can "check in" for your prescription before you even hit the drive-thru line. It saves the technician from having to hunt through the bins while three cars are idling behind you.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
- Verify the Address: Make sure your doctor sent the script to 3011 E Shields, not the Target location, to avoid a cross-street headache.
- Use the Drive-Thru: Enter from the side street if the Shields entrance is backed up; it’s usually much smoother.
- Ask for Price Matching: If you see a lower price on the CVS website for an over-the-counter item, show them your phone. They’ll usually honor it at the register.
- Check Pharmacy Lunch Hours: Most CVS pharmacies close for a 30-minute lunch break (typically 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM). Don't be the person pulling on a locked gate at 1:45 PM.
The CVS First and Shields location remains one of the busiest hubs in central Fresno because it bridges the gap between the residential neighborhoods and the Highway 41 corridor. Knowing which side of the street you need to be on makes all the difference.