Temple Square's three-block plaza is home to nearly 20 attractions related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's anchored by the towering Salt Lake Temple – where, among other things, weekly meetings of the church's governing bodies are held – and other fascinating buildings like the expansive Tabernacle and the Gothic-style Assembly Hall, which offer insight into the history and development of the Mormon church. You should also stop by the Family History Library, the largest genealogy library in the world. Once you've toured the sites, stroll through the square's scenic gardens and past the gurgling fountains.

Recent travelers recommend taking a free, guided tour of the square. Tours are not scheduled, but knowledgeable docents are available every day between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Visitors are also welcome to attend the Sunday morning concerts in the Tabernacle, as well as the Thursday evening choir rehearsals (7:30 p.m.), both put on by the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Whether you like to read or look at beautiful architecture, the stunning and contemporary Salt Lake City Public Library could be worth your while. Located in the downtown area, the library has more than 500,000 books and plenty of cozy corners ideal for hunkering down with a good story. Recent visitors say the architecture alone is reason enough to visit, while others appreciated the friendly staff and on-site cafe. There are also a variety of shops and cafes around Library Square (just outside the library), not to mention a garden for those who want to read outside.

The library is open every day of the week (although hours vary depending on the day), and you don't have to pay to peruse. For more information, visit the Salt Lake City Public Library's website.

If you're looking to enjoy the great outdoors without leaving the city limits, head over to Liberty Park's 80 acres for any number of outdoorsy activities. There's a pond, bike paths, concession stands, rides, picnic areas, playgrounds and tennis and volleyball courts. Liberty Park is also home to an aviary and a greenhouse, both of which recent visitors recommend exploring. They also recommend this park for families, as there are plenty of kid-friendly activities.

This park sits pretty in central Salt Lake. It's open every day from dawn until dusk, and admission is free (although a small fee is required to use some of the sporting facilities). Liberty also hosts several annual events throughout the year. For more information, check out the park's page on the Salt Lake City website.

Park City was made for powder hounds. Sitting about 30 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, Park City is home to two major alpine ski spots that sprawl across acres upon acres of mountain terrain. Park City Mountain Resort welcomes skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels to traverse groomed trails, powder-filled bowls and terrain parks. And Deer Valley Resort caters exclusively to skiers (snowboarding is prohibited here), offering groomed runs and gladed steeps along with 10 on-site restaurants. If you're just starting out, all resorts have expert instructors on hand to help you learn the slopes – whether it's through kids ski school, group instruction or private lessons.

Those who aren't avid skiers can still find things to do. Park City's numerous art galleries and museums will keep visitors entertained. Meanwhile, in the spring and summer, the ski resorts transform their runs into hiking and biking trails, and around town tourists can hit the links at Park City Golf Course or peruse the area's farmers markets.

Rising a whopping 210 feet over the square, this impressive six-spire structure is the universal icon of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While you are not allowed to enter the church itself, recent visitors said that the beautiful grounds are worth touring.

Recent visitors agree that that this should be your first stop when touring Temple Square, and many noted that the staff at the visitor centers and museum were friendly and knowledgeable.

Sitting in Temple Square, the Family History Library houses millions of genealogical records profiling more than two billion deceased people, making it the largest library of its kind in the world. The library was founded in the late 19th century to assist members of the Mormon Church piece together their family history. Today, visitors are welcome to peruse the records – all meticulously preserved – and possibly track down a few ancestors of their own. Recent visitors said this is a must-visit place for everyone, and especially genealogy buffs, as the staff are friendly and incredibly helpful and the resources are astounding.

The Family History Library is open Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., as well as 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Admission is free. The library recommends that you plan ahead, organizing family information that you already have and determining what you want to find. This will make it easier for the reference consultant to help you with your search. For more information, visit the Family History Library website.

The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest boasts 2.1 million acres of Mother Nature. Encompassing seven wilderness districts in total, this national park offers a diverse array of landscapes – ranging from verdant fields to rocky mountainsides – as well as plenty of opportunities to hike, bike and camp.

Recent visitors highly recommend bringing a camera and wearing sturdy walking shoes, as there are plenty of trails you'll want to explore (many vary in length and skill level, so check the website before you go to properly plan ahead).