Taxidermy mice dressed up as the Pope, barrels and drawers filled with miscellaneous flora and fauna, flotsam and jetsam, an exotic plant nursery featuring the flesh-eating varieties, and that's just a drop in the bucket. Paxon Gate is a Wunderkammer packed with mysterious anachronisms, devious amalgamations and provocative curiosities. It's worth setting aside an hour to explore this store. read more

After reading Arwen's review, I decided I needed to check this place out. I'm pretty sure this is the coolest store I've ever been to. You feel like you are in the private home of an insane natural history professor. Beautiful mounted insects, creepy antique prosthetic limbs, fascinating exotic plants, and an awe-inspiring stuffed giraffe's neck/head make this place a must see in the Mission. It's so whimsical, I can't wait for an excuse to go back. read more

How ballsy to have a store full of so many animal corpses in the vegetarian-friendly Valencia Corridor. This store does "good-creepy" right. read more

Cool-looking store but NOTHING practical is sold here. Why the fuck would I buy a shell? Get a stuffed animal head in South America. $50 bucks. Twice as big. (My only star is for the EPWA tooth) Sorry for anyone offended. read more

$6 for one mass printed notecard? Wha?? I admit it's fun... kinda like walking through an adult haunted house with eyes of dead stuffed animals staring at you. But holy cow, who throws their money away on these overpriced, mostly creepy items? You can't touch anything. God forbid should you knock down a $1200 table lamp while trying to get through the crowd and narrow clearance between the displays. I guess you have to be a true collector to appreciate this place. I simply think it's snooty. read more

This is probably one of my favorite little shops in the city for plants and home décor. I love all the cactus and succulents in the back room, it's all so amazingly pretty. I honestly wanted to just buy the whole back area. If you're looking for little knick-knacks and plants for your home or just gifts in general, do check out Paxton Gate whenever you're in the city! read more

Paxton Gate - All the cactus and succulents in the back. - Home Decor Near Me - San Francisco, California

A magical place where taxidermy, raccoon penis bones and an array of succulents all reside. Whether you're in the market for a quirky gift for someone special, or want to show a friend from out of town that San Francisco is cooler than him, Paxton Gate has it all. And at a variety of prices! You may not be able to afford a stuffed lion's head, but don't fret, a preserved baby shark will be exactly in your price range. Please though, mustached men of the Mission, avoid taking a date here, chances are she has already been taken three times prior by another mustached man of the Mission. Which would be dandy, as Paxton Gate and it's quirky and furry displays never, ever get old, but it is difficult to feign surprise and first-time amusement when the cashier asks you how your sister likes her raccoon penis bone. Trust me. read more

Next time you're going to my favorite furniture store X21- swing in here! Mostly I have to applaud their amazing aesthetic, and consistency. The music and merchandise, and store design are crazy cohesive. The taxidermy reminds me of my uncle who used to make curious lamps and coat hangers out of antlers and deer legs. This craft was considered a prestigious way to preserve beautiful creatures until it was abused by that ghastly Ed Gein. (Strangely enough my uncle also lives in WI) If you are looking for a truly unique gift, for a unique enough friend Paxton Gate is packed with: boxed bats, butterflies and beetles. Hordes of hoofs, an oasis of orchids, and books abound. They even have an album featuring the work of my favorite artist: Camilla Rose Garcia. If you aren't a PETA person this place is fascinating- part art, and part science. It makes Smith and Hawken look down right pedestrian. read more

Came across this super cute store for the home and garden which includes purchased inventory as well as items from your local artist. Everything has a unique style and don't be afraid when you walk past their UNICORN head! Yikes. They have a lot of RANDOM. I don't even quite know if you could categorize the variety of home/garden decorations and utility items but if you want to bring character into your garden, this is the place to go. Octopus lanterns, Unicorn heads, All kinds of insects crawling around everywhere. You got it! It's in the middle of the block and the outside is very discreet, so DON'T MISS IT! It's worth browsing through, at least once. read more

This place is absolutely badass! First, I love taxidermy. For years I would decorate my house with various dead animals and then dress them up in hats, jewelry, scarfs other various accessories to give them more pizzazz. Well, someone else had a similar idea, but it was to take various dead animals and make them into other animals AND dress them up. For example, there is a UNICORN! and I also saw one of those scary ass flying demon monkeys from the Wizard of Oz. A few mice that had on outfits and wigs were in display cases as well. There is other stuff in there if you're just not feeling the dead animal thing as much as I was. Geodes, plants, books, fossils etc. The prices ARE expensive, but I chalked it up to "hey, it's San Francisco, not BFE, NC" If you don't see anything that you HAVE to have, it's worth just checking out. It's a kickass store to browse around in. read more

Okay, first let me say that I hate taxidermy so things like little mice dressed in costumes, baby sea creatures in formaldehyde and other gorgeous animals dead, messed with, and hung on the walls doesn't appeal to me. Clearly there are tons of people who dig that stuff. The concept of the store is great. I have a floral and interiors store so I "get" and appreciate the eclectic style. It's a weird place, a definite stop if you're checking out the pirate shop next door or canoodling by with a loved one. I'm no prude but I didn't allow my 14 year old to go in there. She's an animal lover and seeing them bastardized and on display like that would have broken her heart. I'm not sure what gorgeous Tillandsias and fantastic jewelry have to do with creepy "art" but whatever. I'm just sayin'... read more

How can anyone pass by this store and not take a look? A Natural Science Museum/store with the coolest little gadgets I've ever seen. Unique stationary, succulents, glass eyes, animal bones. You can even purchase butterflies. They have a little backyard with plants and a little pond as well. This store is my crack. read more

Such a unique spot to stop by at. You can lurk through a variety of fascinating *ethically-sourced* taxidermy and some cool fossils. Even bought a mosasaurus tooth to go brag to friends about :) Highly recommend! read more

I am in love with this store. Can you say MACABRE? I never realized there are other people as weird as me until I found this store. It's so me. If you are looking for something truly original this is the place. Highlights include: -fossils -framed insects -various bones -silver jewelry made of seeds and pods -test tubes -cool plants -taxidermy read more

If you want to buy beautiful dead things this is the place for you. Fossils, taxidermied small animals dressed up like the pope, framed butterflies.. CAN YOU SAY....MACABRE VICTORIAN DREAM!!!???!! This is hands down, along with the pirate store next door... my all time favorite store in San Fran. read more

I have walked by a thousand times, literally, I have walked by one thousand times, and never once have I entered this gate. I think the big giraffe head had something to do with me never entering. Come on, that's some pretty sick shit, full on neck and head, what did the giraffe ever do to you? I had flash backs of being a kid and running into toys'r'us to look for Jeffery... I never found him, and I guess it's because he was dead and on display at Paxton's Gate. Well I went in yesterday looking for a gift for a friend while on a 1/4 birthday scavenger hunt... and holy shit, this place is crazy amazing awesome. The taxidermy animals alone are reason enough to stop in. NEAT! You need a new pet but can't bother to look after it!? Go exotic! Get a wallaby! You can name him Rocco, he will have a modern San Francisco life! When your family and friends come to visit, they will think that you are either the toast of the town with your very own pet wallaby, or they will try to commit you into a psych ward, either way, you are getting attention! Admittedly, dead animals and pined up bugs, things dead in jars of murky colored liquid end up being pretty expensive. But if you got the mula, go for it. Anything from this store would be a great conversation starter in your home. read more

OK, seriously...dead animals on display=NOT awesome! wtf guys, I mean seriously. I love plants, and other "oddities" but I hardly consider dead animals entertaning, especially big stuffed lion heads, totally not cool. Im not familiar with their landscaping business but the appearance of the store is bad enough. Take down the dead animals and let them rest in peace! This is San Francisco, not some backward village where killing animals and displaying them is considered acceptable or, ART for that matter. I dont know why I even bothered going anywhere other than Sloat Garden Center. read more

O M G !!! i can't believe i haven't known about this place sooner. well, that's a lie- i actually have. i knew of it as a myth of "this fabulous taxidermy store in the mission" but i never knew that it actually existed! but it does and it's so so so magically fabulous!! gorgeously freakish taxidermy treasures, animal skulls and skeletons, high-end jewelry made out of bones, rare plants and cacti, various interesting and weird books... what more could you ask for? the store is very nicely laid out. clean and cozy with loads to look at. and the 2 boys working there were sweet as pie. once again, another FABULOUS store in SF. this is totally a new fave of mine that will always be on my go-to list from now on. read more

This store was made for me: live plants, dead animals, scary books and tea! They have raccoon teeth if you ever need some. read more

literally the coolest shop in SF! only problem is whenever i put something down to look somewhere else it's gone when i walk back around 30 seconds later lmao. read more

Before I review my adventures in the Mission district this past weekend, I must first begin with the greatest discovery of all - Paxton Gate. If God ever made a perfect store for me, this would be it! After C_ and I stepped forth from the pirate store adjacent, the sign to Paxton Gate caught my eye. I was compelled to go in. I recall the name from somwhere before, but I can't really remember where or how. Their website says that their other base is in Portland, the city to which I've been, but I don't recall ever going in there. This is a sign that God was calling me in. Geology meets Paleontology meets Biology meets Taxidermy - that is how I would describe this store. It's like a candy store for mine eyes and mine heart. I was taken wtih EVERYTHING in that store, and I HAVE to go back! After a thorough browsing, I left with two perfect FeS2 cubes, one for me and one for my geoninja. I will be back to get that cactus, two goblets, and the two little skeletal demons in the case. I believe monthly visits are definitely in order. Whence I get my new place, don't be surprised to see it filled with Paxton booty. Argh! read more

"On the 13th day of Christmas my ex boyfriend gave to me.... A mouse hanging from a tree." OMFG, the best gift I have ever gotten. A cute, creepy white mouse with beady little eyes and a stiff tail with angel wings. Where else but from Paxton Gate? This deliciously curated store sports hybrids of creatures not to be found at the zoo. If you've got visitors from out of town (its also shocking how many people who live in the city don't know about this place) this is the spot that'll wow em. Everyone loves it, even my mom. Swing them by 826 Valencia and Tartine and you've got yourself a tour of the Mission. read more

If it were up to me I would put a closed sign out front and make this my apartment. Plants, animals, minerals, books, art, antiques, tea? Are you kidding me? I love it! I would consolidate the penis bones and use the majority of those drawers for earrings, hang my clothes behind the counter, set up a bed in the room just past the books, and have breakfast on my peaceful patio. Don't miss the assemblage pieces by Jack Howe. They fit so well with the aesthetic, they almost blend in. read more

They have all the taxidermy, carnivorous plants, mounted insects, and skeletal material a girl could ask for. I could decorate my whole house at this place - and if I had a yard, I'd definitely employ their landscaping services. Occasionally they will offer classes on insect mounting or other slightly esoteric hobbies. I love coming in here just to browse and lift my spirits with all the nifty little wonders in every corner. And I always leave with something new. read more

We have been going to Paxton Gate since they were on Brady Street oh so many years ago. It is still a great store, however, the new children's store leaves a lot to be desired. The inexperienced and uninterested staff could care less about being helpful or nice--they are waaay too cool to give a shit. The toys are not meant for kids, the selection is scarce, so if this is truly meant for kids, something has to change. A children's store in the Mission is a good idea, but it should cater to kids and their needs. The original Paxton Gate staff is still awesome, passionate and friendly...! read more

This is the store to nurture to 8 year-old mad biologist in all of us. I've never wanted so many dead things before. I never seriously considered decorating with animal skeletons until I stopped here. Now it seems to make perfect sense. read more

Paxton Gate makes San Francisco a better place to live, window shop, explore, and inspire your self and your friends! Kylea the manager is knowledgeable on many of the oddities and/or their history. I strongly recommend this store for gifts (taxidermy mice, rare plants, one of-a-kind jewelry, eclectic books and photography, etc), and also as a destination for SF visitors. It's more of a Narnia than a store, and no place exists like it that I've seen. The store is successful, never gimmicky, I believe because it is a genuine extension of it's owner/creator who happens to look a bit like Loki : ) Bravo Paxton Gate. read more

You just discovered 826 Valencia and bought some tools to help your piracy flourish. Now you continue walking and think you will not see any more weird stores. Until you take a few steps forward from 826 Valencia and continue that window shopping. Then you peak in and see...fossils? Welcome to Paxton Gate. This store is not one of those stores you find on Main St. This store has fossils everywhere. If you are a biology lover, this is a great place for you as you look at the trilobite skeleton from the Cambrian period. Some of these objects were less expensive than I thought. I believed many of the fossils would be $100 but they actually were $50. If you do not have much money with you today, you could get a raccoon claw for 50 cents. Also, they have stuffed animal heads too from African Antelope on the wall. In the back, they even have a small nursery where you can buy (not fossilized) plants. I did not visit it because the front part of the store glued me there. I saw other people just like me looking at all the fossils and the stuffed animals. Although this store is definitely quirky and cool, I have my complaints. They do not allow you to take photos and I understand part of that because the flash can damage the objects they have. If you can turn flash off, I think you should be allowed to take photos. My main complaint (and this brings the review down to three stars) is that although the fossils are cool, these are from animals. Some animal was probably hurt while they collected all the raccoon claws and the stuffed animal heads! I hope that they collected the stuff from dead animals. Overall, go here for the interesting fossils and items but if you are pro animal rights like me, you might want to skip this store. read more

Novelty Taxidermy, hourglasses, art books, teas, and gardening. What more can you ask for? It doesn't get any better. Loved the taxidermy mice dressed in the hamlet costumes! The garden in the back of the store was very well done. If you love weird things you'll love this store. I absolutely plan on coming back when I'm in town... perhaps I'll even purchase a flying taxidermy mouse. read more

I've been going to Paxton Gate since it was on the little Brady alley off Market. They USED to be nice guys. But they are so full of themselves now, and their prices reflect it. Way too cool 4 u. I have a ridiculous affection for taxidermy and they often have some great looking stuff, but I have to be pretty desperate to buy from them. Snobby, condescending. I had them make a custom piece for me once, and it took 3x as long as promised; kept forgetting to return calls, etc. So, yeah, for a good look at the freaky deak and for occasionally good art exhibits, yes. As for a nice experience with the owners -- uh, check out the bone room in Berkeley. read more

Sketchy place. I asked where they got the starfish and the staff claimed all their sealife remains are farmed. I really doubt starfish are farmed, along with purple urchins and stingrays. As long everything is legal and sustainable, I'm not against selling animal parts but the outright lying and evasive remarks doesn't bode well here. I asked if the framed insects are farmed and the staff said there is a variety of suppliers. Okay? I expect staff to know where their stock comes from so customers can avoid illegal purchases and can make the right ethical choice. They sell bat remains here from south-east asia where there's little legal protection and the bats are killed in the wild just so people can collect them. A proper naturalist shop would avoid selling such products. Staff get stand-offish and defensive if you politely ask where the remains are sourced. Minerals are overpriced as well. Tiny polished moonstones should NOT be fourteen dollars. read more

Stumbled into the shop by accident, only a few days after finding out my favorite natural history store, The Bone Room in Berkley, had closed its doors. I am SO GLAD I found Paxton Gate. The staff here is incredibly talented and knowledgable about both the front of store (natural history, taxidermy) and back of store (plants and gardening). Maddie was extremely helpful us on a wide variety of subjects, and was honest about things she wasn't sure about and directed to another staff member. After geeking out over insects with me, she went through the nursery with me and described her favorite plants in whimsical detail. It's honestly a testament to my strength that I didn't walk right out with all her favorite plants. I ended up buying a beautiful fern, which she helped me to re-pot while giving me tips on how to care for it. THANK YOU, MADDIE! I live a few hours away, but I can't wait to return. read more

Back when scientists were cool magicians and true Renaissance types -- not the overly specialized social misfits that we know today -- their houses were strewn with the stuff you see at Paxton Gate. So in case you run out of them, they got: possum penis bones, carnivorous plants, beautifully mounted insects and shelves and shelves of minerals, plants, petrified things and other vaguely disgusting and alluring stuff, the kind of things that made everyone interested in junior high biology . If you want Pottery Barn, it's on Chestnut in the Marina. All they lack is a live gila monster under the counter and a Megaladon jaws. But who knows, I didn't ask. read more

I feel in love with this store the momment I walked in, it was hone for me. To say that it is a land scapeing and kids store is odd. It's science, taxidermy, art, marine science , anthropology, tea, mish mash of all things super cool and over load of neat things. I spent so much there on Jewerly, photography, art, funky taxidermy piece that are just out of this world... This is a fantastic magical store..., read more

Gosh, I love this store so much! It has so much random science stuff it's awesome!! I've gotten some great plants, pots (both ceramic & biodegradable) here of excellent quality! The people who work here are really cool & knowledge about their products. Such fun and random stuff! Everything from succulents to crystals & beakers to animal skulls Even if you're not interested in buying it's such a feast for your eyes! read more

i am obsessed with this store. I am a child in toys'r'us who is sitting on the ground throwing a fit because i want more. i've gotten so many cool weird plants here its to the point of ridic. i have them hanging from the walls. literally. i bought their tree bark pieces and put these cool air plants on my walls. everything here is cool. no not cool... AMAZING. because like i love dead bugs and dead animals and the bone from the penis of a skunk. and soap and tea and butterflies and books that are so nuts and itty bitty cool things and like what else can i please have and look at and drool on?!?!? every inch of this place is filled with orchids of the likes i have never seen and dead rats dressed up as bride and groom (i mean that is just amazing). this place is truly unique and hard to describe... no impossible to describe... indescribable! read more

Could be my favorite store in the whole world. I never really know what it is I'm looking for when I go in, but I always find it. About a month ago it was a succulent that is now growing in the shape of Jack's beanstalk. I got a bromeliad for a friend's birthday once. They used to carry these soft wood boxes that I made gifts out of with my electric wood-burning pen. I bought a really great necklace there once made by a local artist. Oh, and an orchid plant. I don't go for the bugs or taxidermy, but maybe I'll get myself a little fossil next. read more

For all things bone. You can find skeletons of squirrels, raccoons, skunks, etc. Need raccoon claws? Got 'em. Need mice dressed up all Gothic like? Got that too. Need a deer's head for your uncles parlor? Got that too. They have usual, normal things like plants and pots and such, but no body's really interested in that, are they? You need to spend some time here, because you just might miss that perfect gift for that unique somebody. read more

If you're at all into taxidermy, steampunk, geology, engineering, succulents, and/or airplaints, this place is one not to miss. Right off the bat, it is a STRANGE place - you walk in the door and there's a stuffed horse head mocked up to be a unicorn, overlooked by a wall of custom-framed air plants, in front of a glass case full of fossils and artfully chiseled minerals. It's one of the most fascinating places I've ever set foot in. Some of my favorite things are the beetles' shells filled with clockworks, they're visually stunning and a wonderful combination of different elements. I try to swing by here every time I visit the city read more

A completely amazing store if you love taxidermy, gems and minerals, skeletons, plants, oddities, or all of the above, like me! This large, multi-room store is FULL of fantastic curiosities and treasures. As you come in, the front area has mineral specimens, fossils, and shells. Next are some large cases with funky jewelry incorporating botanical/zoological themes, shells, and the occasional animal part. The hallway leading to the back has books, and the back area has plants (including terrariums and carnivorous plants). On the walls and shelves throughout, of course, are taxidermy animals in realistic and novelty styles. I was charmed by the jackalope trio sitting over the door to the back room! The place was packed when I was there, which I imagine is usually is on weekends, so it can be a little difficult to negotiate, but be patient and you'll eventually get to see it all. I'd be very wary about bringing children here, because there's so much fragile stuff and it would be impossible for a kid to resist touching and poking all the curiosities. The staff are friendly and very helpful -- they were happy to help me find prices on some taxidermy mounts and answer questions. It's not the cheapest place, and you can probably find similar items for less online if you know what you're looking for. But you can think of it as the price of admission to what's essentially a free museum of the bizarre. A totally fun store to visit and a great place to bring back souvenirs for your weird friends! read more