Los Angeles is located in southern California and is the largest city in California and the second largest city in the United States. The area was originally settled by Native American tribes thousands of years ago and was claimed for Spain in the 18th century. Today, Los Angeles is a large, diverse, and beautiful city with many neighborhoods, parks, and cultural attractions, but also experiences noise, traffic, and overcrowding. Public transportation includes buses, trains, and metro system to help navigate the large city. Popular places for visitors include Downtown LA, beaches, Hollywood, and other neighborhoods.