Very INTERESTING store for home decor and collections that made me feel like I was in a museum of national history. Walked in a bit surprised at all the taxidermy animals, but especially fascinated by one that was a horse with a horn or was it really a unicorn? My husband ended up getting this type of dried up fern that opens up and comes back to life when placed in water, he says it's a 'resurrection' plant. Oh, really?? Wow, ok..... As he wandered off to the garden area in the back, I found myself intrigued by what I found to be glass eyes and next to that, were porcupine claws? Looking around, you can't help but feel like you've stepped into another world of the unknown, especially with all these lifeless animals and insects staring at you. There were also a lot of decorative art, decor, and jewelry that related to life science and the like. For the most part, I don't think I'd be back unless, I purchase one of their butterfly displays which was the only thing that struck me or finally decide that I want to start a taxidermy collection... read more

Very condescending and rude. I asked them for helpful identifying a butterfly and they basically told me to go f*** myself.

What a creative place to discover the oddities you never thought you loved. Carnivorous plants, roaring Lion heads, finger chopping Beatles, random furriness, Orchids and so much more! The shop is split in half with the rear housing plants, shrubs, flowers and potting supplies. Usually there is a knowledgable gardener that will answer your questions. Terrariums are the rage now, so you can bet that Paxton Gate has alllll the supplies you need to build the epic rrerium. They even offer classes! The front of the shop houses the fun stuff - taxidermy galore! Bugs, heads, shells, stones, apothecary tools and even a small book section. I could spend hours in here.. in fact I did! The staff are beyond friendly and very knowledgable about their wares. One of the staff gave me advice on how to care for my new carnivorous plant. Definitely an amusing shop to explore when in the Mission and if you live here.. well lucky you! read more

Paxton Gate - Venus Fly Trap & Super Dope Squiggly plant - Home Decor Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Paxton gate is half "oddity store "half "home decor". when you first walk in, you're greeted with a taxidermied (is this a word?) UNICORN head..... yes. Unicorn. obviously it is fake, but it is pretty neat at the same time. this is not a store for PETA fans. there are LOTS of stuffed animals in this store, and i'm not talkin about the plush kind. things i spotted were the unicorn head, a winged monkey, rats dressed as people (a royal court to be exact) and a skeleton riding a wild turkey..... just to name a few. they also have a large selection of plants, some of which are carnivorous. AND, they also have a nice selection of interesting jewelry, so check out what is in their glass cases. there is so much to look at here, you'll be intrigued for hours. the staff are very friendly, and very helpful, so if you have any questions, don't be shy! read more

Paxton Gate - Racoon penis bone - Home Decor Near Me - San Francisco, California

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One of my favorite stores and a favorite spot to take people new to the Bay Area. I've gotten a moth, a beetle, and a springbok horn here. The staff are super helpful when I'm asking about what kinds of bugs they have. read more

Friendly staff, lots of cool items at great prices. I came all the way from Elk Grove to specifically shop here.

This store is not the usual novelty store but filled with odd items such as taxidermy, insects, freakishly articulated mice, lab glass, plants and succulents. i love it! One could spend hours here looking at everything and come out with something different. Must visit place for the curious mind. read more

The short: As unique as a store can get for any biologist fan out there :) This store is a feast for the eyes. I have not seen anything like this except in museums and other carefully curated spots. A store dedicated to bones, plants, taxidermy, and anything a biologist would like? Well, why not! I came with friends who were so intrigued by the products, although they wondered if some of the stuff was real like the skunk tail and bones of animal parts. They even have a cute little oasis in the back where they keep several cacti, air plants, and other desk-loving plants read more

Wonderfully eclectic. So very SF. And I came out with 2 airplants while my friend bought her first carnivorous plant. Looking for a book on taxidermy? Or actual taxidermy for your interior? Well, look no further. This place has a main floor full of interesting natural, dried, antique items and a sun room and garden in the back with live plants. I was in there for almost an hour and I still can't quite remember everything because it is packed with inventory. I love how it's been designed and I want one in LA. Come to LA. If you're reading this Paxton Gate, come to LA! Anyway. I just made a himmeli to hold my airplant, thank you for inspiring me to become more crafty. In the mission, walk up, and grab a cheese/wine or frozen hot chocolate nearby and wander/get lost in this small but fascinating store. read more

Paxton Gate - #Sprouting - Home Decor Near Me - San Francisco, California

I could seriously spend all day and all of my money here. You can smell palo santo and earthy goodness as soon as you step in the door. Such a great collection of bones, shells, crystals, plants, posters, taxidermy, and insects. Perfect place to buy gifts for any occasion. Really reasonable prices for succulents (priced by size) and huge collection of air plants (also priced by size). Make sure to check out their plant collection outside on the back patio! read more

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I think it is disgusting that they are selling a stuffed giraffe. Don't care how they justify it as "ethically sourced".

They have very exotic stuff.. .like animal head, skulls, teeth.. ect. It's interesting, but I can't appreciate these. I like the room in the back with all indoor plants and planters, as well as the yard area. If you are into indoor plants and urban gardening, you may check this out. read more

Daniel made me the cutest terrarium in a glass ornament. I usually kill every plant I come into contact with but he assures me this one will survive! Hangs from my ceiling - love it! read more

THE BEST ODDITIES SHOP EVER! Also with a cute pet rat inside. Service was super good too.

Paxton Gate is my absolute favorite store on Valencia street. Yesterday, I spent 10 minutes admiring their butterfly collection and listening to the lady that worked there explain the camouflage colors of their wings, one looked like an owl to escape predictors. Also my first time seeing the stuffed taxidermy sugar gliders, they are super cute alive and a little weird stuffed but hey.. weird and whimsical is the name of the game here at Paxton. Can I work here? read more

Paxton Gate - Plant wall, fabulous! - Home Decor Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Really interesting and enjoyable place to visit. Spent 40 minutes browsing the butterfly section, animal sculls, succulents, etc. Staff was really nice and seems to be a busy store. Good prices too. Definitely visit when in the Mission district. read more

I took the "mice" taxidermy class last Sunday and it was amazing! Our teacher, Geoff Vassallo, was very patient and good at explaining (which I value most since I'm French and brand new in the Bay Area!). The day is intense and busy but Geoff never rushed us, insisting on us taking the time we needed. He also brought some accessories that we could add to our mount. It was definitively a good day! read more

Paxton Gate - Home Decor Near Me - San Francisco, California

I've always loved Paxton gate, I've gotten so many ideas from the store and the web site over the years. Ideas for gardening and home decoration. It truly is an amazing and inspiring selection that crosses many subject matters. Taxidermy has never been my thing but I do love the insect displays. Carnivorous plants are really cool, they always have a nice selection along with informational books and tips on how to keep them alive. read more

Paxton Gate - Great selection of Air plants. - Home Decor Near Me - San Francisco, California

The first time I've visited Paxton Gate, I knew I had to take my mom here. And when I finally did yesterday, she was all smiles! She was so excited to see the different terrariums, succulents, and charcoal. She was very excited to see charcoal. We're from a small town, and though there are many gardens and nurseries in the area, it wasn't until she came to Paxton Gate where she found the materials she needs for her garden. There's other oddities and knick knacks to look at. Paxton Gate is worth a visit whether you have a green thumb or not. read more

My friend and I wandered into Paxton's Gate while we were in the area and there were so many things to look at. They sell all sorts of things such as taxidermy, seashells, succulent plants, books, terrariums. So many options. I love their selection of air plants and different jars and containers for terrariums. You can buy premade terrariums or you can buy supplies to make one of your own. While I'm not a fan of taxidermy, insect pinnings, and bones, I did think it was fascinating just to look at all the different things that they do sell. I would definitely return when I need supplies to create a terrarium. read more

This place is so odd in the best of ways. Who knew you could buy a pig in a jar? This is a fun place to explore if you're not afraid of stuffed animals or human bones (if you are run and close your eyes until you get to the terrarium plants and cool rocks/minerals). If anyone wants joint custody of the giraffe with me, let me know! read more

Ever since I was little, I've LOVED unicorns!! With an undying passion! Eventually, I learned to accept that they aren't real, but deep down, I've always doubted the unicorn naysayers. Upon first entering Paxton Gate, I'm a believer 110% now! There, right by the entrance, was a taxidermy of a unicorn head! Freakin' awesome!! Once I got over the excitement of seeing that, I realized there were a whole bunch of other animals too! Moose! Goats! Foxes! Near the cash register there were even little mice dressed up in outfits! There's also little terrariums sprinkled throughout the front area. I was really tempted to buy some supplies and start my own because everything you need is there! I could probably spend HOURS in here because there's so much to see! It's looks like the house of a very fashionable taxidermist because besides the stuffed animals, skulls, and fossils, there's also a pretty extensive collection of jewelry, bags, and clothes. In the back are the succulent plants, shelves of books, and a little backyard with more succulents as well as cacti! I ended up buying a little Echeveria Doris Taylor! :) Will definitely be back! It's a great place to just go and look at everything. Things here are preeeeetty expensive, so it'd probably be nicer on your wallet anyway! read more

Paxton Gate - my new baby succulent plant :) - Home Decor Near Me - San Francisco, California

Paxton Gate is interesting because it's in the middle of the Mission where you would least expect a store like this. Upon entering, there are mounted animals, insects, and bones everywhere. It's pretty neat if you're into this stuff. Even if you're not into this stuff, you have to admit, it's still neat. It's almost like a museum where you can let your curiosities wander. Further into the store is where all of the pretty plants and terrariums are. I have always been interested in terrariums, so my boyfriend booked us one of the instructional lessons they have on Sundays. For $65 you get a classroom instruction and a terrarium bulb, charcoal, sand, rocks, plants, etc. It's interesting to learn about and the instructor was very helpful. I think it's interesting, though I'd shop around as $65 seems a bit steep. read more

Paxton Gate - My completed terrarium! - Home Decor Near Me - San Francisco, California

Paxton Gate is one of the most interesting shops I've ever been to. I almost feel like it's a witch supply shop or something. They have everything from taxidermy animals to snake vertebrae to plants. It's a truly unique shop that just screams "SAN FRANCISCO." I came here looking for a venus fly trap. While they did have other parasitic plants, they didn't have what I was looking for. A bit of a bummer but I got over it fast because I was glad I got to come check this place out! read more

Perfect transaction! Definite care and time taken to prepare for shipping. Communication was fast (20 minutes on thanksgiving!). Beautiful (reasonably priced) products that arrived within 10 days!! Will definitely order again! read more

This is the sort of store I could roam through for hours. The taxidermy lined walls and dark wood gives it a mysterious feel, like it's the store of store you'd find in the Harry Potter world. It has crannies filled with incredible, bizarre items. The nursery in the back is small but well stocked. A lot of items that they carry are related to the occult, but there are books about math and science too. Basically, this is a great store to go to for gifts and window shopping (although you'll probably end up buying something). I absolutely loved the store and will make revisiting it a priority next time I'm in the area! read more

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Sold me an expensive Angel Wing Begonia that was covered in white mold less than two weeks later. When I came in and told them that they sold be a sick plant they first tried to blame it on me and then just said "sorry" and looked at me like it's a normal risk you take and didn't offer me anything to fix the situation. Have spent hundreds of dollars in the store over the years but will never again. There are far better options in the neighborhood anyway. read more

I am officially obsessed with this place. The store is decked out with the oddest of oddities. You need some chicken legs? They got them. Ready to start your collection of mounted mouse heads? Many to choose from. Did you just win the lotto and want to spend a grand on a mounted animal head of gigantic size? Not sure if you'll be able to fit it in the back seat of your Lyft, but sure. Maybe you're just a chill ass millennial into plants. Walk all the way to the back of the shop and be entered into a room filled with foliage. I love it here. read more

If you were a 19the century naturalist this would be your favorite place on the planet when you weren't out exploring. Filled with minerals, bones, books and plants, this shop is like a curio cabinet you can walk through. They offer classes as well. read more

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Interesting place with a lot of unique knick knacks, art, home deco, plants, candles, etc. I came in right before Christmas and the place was pretty busy for a weekend afternoon. I wanted to find a snake plant for a gift and luckily there were two to choose from - each about $20 for a medium sized plant so it seemed fair. I was in and out of the store quickly because of my metered parking, but I will have to come back and explore more of their items next time. read more

This shop is merchandised amazing and I fell in love when I stumbled across it on my travels however... I brought a ring that didn't even last a day before the crystal fell out. As I live in a different country I had to return it at my own cost and was preferably after a replacement. The response time was so painfully slow which lead me to demand a full refund. Finally today, almost 2 months later and several emails chasing Isaac for my money it is back in my account. Obviously customer service is not a priority. Never in my life have I ever waited this long for a refund. Avoid purchasing! Maybe just look. read more

Paxton Gate is one of my favourites to visit whilst visiting SF. On entering I never know where to start so many cabinets of interesting curiosities. If you're after an unusual gift you've come to the right place. Plants, books, locally made jewellery, garden bits & bobs, crystals, fossils, stationery (I could go on) Sensory overload for a creative mind.I tend to bypass the taxidermy but it really works in this store. This visit my son pointed out some really nice locally made Rutilated Quartz earrings (Lauren Wolf) They did have odd backs on them but I asked if they could be changed & the sales assistant was obliging. I always allow 30-45 mins to peruse Paxton Gate. Certainly an interesting store for those who like interesting shops that don't stock run on the mill items. read more

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This is a really cool store but I wouldn't recommend it if you're actually trying to go and buy plants. Every time I go, the staff is super standoffish and not very helpful when I want to buy plants. They also don't seem very knowledgeable about plants and how to care for them. The store is really interesting for art and curiosities but go elsewhere if you're looking for a "plant nursery." read more

Paxton Gate is my go-to shop for all my Victorian naturalist needs, from the tools of the trade (maps and dissecting kits) to the preserved specimens and mounted heads that lend my mansion the perfect 19th century creepy factor. Good show! read more

Paxton Gate - Perfect for your child's bedroom. - Home Decor Near Me - San Francisco, California

This place has so many nooks and crannies with interesting things to look at. There is a mobile of what I think are preserved bats hanging near the register, crystals tucked away in an antique looking apothecary, an indoor greenhouse with a great selection of air plants and other indoor plants, and just tons of things an old school naturalist would have. If you are looking for a unique gift, I think this would be a good place to look for one. I left with an albuca spiralis plant as a mother's day gift. read more

So so great. Curiosity should drive what we do and this place has it figured out. I happen to be an anatomy teacher...but still!

A wonderful trip into a 'cabinet of curiosities' in the Mission! From Bones, to Books, to Venus Fly Traps, and Cactus of all kinds this place is cool! My gal likes to get baculums from different animals and we keep them in jars are conversation pieces. Prices are a little high, but not nuts. Basically it's San Francisco....Whatcha gonna do? I'll be back! read more

I love this place. You never know what gorgeous weird thing you will find and the staff are super friendly. Beautiful books, too.

This place is amazing! A great addition to the already trendy and bustling Valencia St, you can't walk into this store and walk out without a smile on your face! From taxidermied animals and preserved insects, to actual animal bones, macabre medical instruments, crystals, and plenty of greenery, this place has everything odd and beautiful to fascinate your curiousity. I'm tempted to buy a small venus fly trap everytime I come in here. It is very reminiscient of Loved to Death, yet has a much lighter feel and a unique style all to its own. There's definitely something for everyone here and I totally recommend stopping in here when you're in the area because everything in here is so cool and the employees are so nice! read more

Ummmmm. I came here to buy some oddities & was confronted by the incredibly rude staff telling me to not take photos. I was not taking photos and was just looking at some taxidermy made by artists. The staff member claimed the artists preferred no photos. I have yet to meet an artist who does not like photos taken of their artwork. Too bad they missed out on my $ by presuming the worst case scenario: free publicity for the artists and their overrated store read more

Paxton Gate - Home Decor Near Me - San Francisco, California