Angel Island's spring wildflower bloom is currently in full swing, with dramatic purple blooms stealing the spotlight across the hillsides.

If you haven't made the short ferry ride out to Angel Island lately, consider this your nudge. It's one of the Bay Area's most underappreciated gems — stunning views and actual peace and quiet.

One local couldn't help but point out that Bernal Heights has its own impressive wildflower display happening right now too, which is a fair point. You don't have to leave the city to see nature flexing. But there's something about Angel Island's relative isolation that makes the experience hit different. It's San Francisco's backyard wilderness, maintained by state parks on a shoestring budget.

The bloom won't last forever — wildflower season is notoriously short. Ferries run from Pier 41 and Tiburon. Bring a camera, bring a lunch.