Paxton Gate

Only in San Francisco would you find a boutique-like shop that not only displays, but sells raccoon penis bones, preserved animal eyes, and decorative dioramas made from rodent skeletons, dressed in costume and suitable for framing. Part museum, part science class and part retail shop, Paxton Gate has an amazing selection of items from the natural world from rocks, shells and other geological wonders to various bits and pieces preserved from the animal kingdom. They also carry books and other related materials. Even (or especially) if you're not in mood to shop, Paxton's Gate is a must-see. more

This store is like a garden, a science museum and a gothic kid's bedroom all at once. I stumbled upon it one day when I was walking down Valencia Street. They carry all sorts of beautiful plants and garden stuff, but they also have unique items such as animal skeletons, pinned bugs and butterflies, neat shadowboxes, and more. It's hard to describe this place, but it is fun. There's a lot to look at, so even if you're not looking to buy anything, you'll enjoy this store. more

Looking for that stuffed wombat head you've always thought would look perfect over the mantle? Paxton Gate is like a zoo full of exotic animals – big (giraffe!) and small (mouse!) – only that, at Paxton Gate all the animals are dead. Bugs and butterflies too, all expertly stuffed and mounted (I like trying getting up close, staring deep into the fur and seeing if I can see where the bullet went in). Plants, dead animal art, books, premium looseleaf tea, and other oddities make this place truly unique. Classes in the art of taxidermy if you're interested in the same. more

When I first stepped into Paxton Gate, I thought I was transported into a wonderland of taxidermied bugs and unusual plants, and well...I was. Since then I go in at least once a month to see what new taxidermy they have in. Mind you this is the classy and unusual stuff. We're talkin' beautiful butterlies, gigantic beetles, and exotic insects from farway places. Plus add a touch of whimsy like taxidermied mice dressed as punk rockers, a wedding couple and the forever selling out Christmas angel ornaments. If you prefer something living, they have the best selection of both carnivorous plants (pitcher plants, Venus Flytraps), air plants of all sizes and a gorgeous selection of unique orchid hybrids. Even if you don't want to get out your wallet, it's a fun place to browse as though you're going to a very small but entertaining Natural History Museum -- with no entry fee! more

Located on Valencia next to the pirate store, Paxton Gate has the strangest, most interesting, amazing things gathered in one place. Need a platinum necklace shaped like bones? How about some candy made from bugs? This spacious store is like a gallery because there is so much to look for. Many years ago, my mother had a planter made from an ostrich egg. I broke it. Almost 25 years later I replaced it with an egg from Paxton Gate. more