Temple Square, Salt Lake City (must see)

In 1847, when Mormon pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, president Brigham Young selected a plot of the desert ground and proclaimed, "Here we will build a temple to our God." When the city was surveyed, the block enclosing that location became known as Temple Square and a 15-foot surrounding wall was built shortly after the block was so designated. Now attracting 3 million to 5 million visitors a year, Temple Square is the most popular tourist attraction in Utah, bringing in more visitors than the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone National Park.

Though the 10-acre (4.0 hectares) complex is mostly known as the headquarters of the LDS Church, other buildings currently contained within are the Salt Lake Tabernacle, the Salt Lake Assembly Hall, the Seagull Monument, and two visitors' centers, the one on the north being the larger of the two. Most of the buildings are open and you are free to walk in and look around, enjoy the well-tended grounds, sneak in a picture by the reflecting pool, or have dinner/coffee in the coffee shop or restaurant on site. Let's not forget the many statues and flower beds for everyone to enjoy!

The grounds, as well as the Gardens at Temple Square, often host concerts and other events. During the Christmas holiday season, approximately 100,000 Christmas lights sparkle from trees and shrubs around Temple Square each evening until 10 pm. The lighting of Temple Square is a popular event, usually attended by more than 10,000 people.