Founded by Brigham Young and the Mormon settlers he led, Salt Lake City still has a lot of religious associations and significant monuments. The Mormon (LDS) Temple is one of many cathedrals-cum-tourist attractions. Others include the Masonic Temple, Cathedral of the Madeleine, and St. Mark's Cathedral. The centerpiece of downtown Salt Lake City, which should also be the first stop on a walking tour, is Historic Temple Square. However, downtown attractions aren't limited to monuments. Kids will enjoy Discovery Gateway and the Living Planet Aquarium.

Just outside downtown, the visitor focus shifts from sightseeing to outdoor recreation. In the summer, the Bonneville Shoreline Trail offers 90 miles of hiking and biking, while Red Butte Garden and Arboretum is guaranteed to please the eyes with 11 distinctly different gardens. Liberty Park is perfect for picnics, paddleboating, or a fun afternoon of kiddie amusements. SLC comes into its full glory in winter, however. After all, this was the home of the 2002 Winter Olympics—it is the gateway to world-class skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and more. Public ice skating rinks are numerous, including Gallivan Center in the heart of town.