Welcome to Arizona!
I can't speak to what part of town you would like best, some like the city, others the country!
Here's some information on sidearms:
If you are:
Over 18: No permit is required to carry loaded or unloaded,
openly.
Over 21: No permit is required to carry loaded or unloaded, openly
or discretely.
You can carry whichever way you prefer and that is legal for your age range.
There are some exceptions;
You can't carry openly into any place that sells alcohol for consumption on the premises.
You can't carry discretely into any place that serves alcohol for consumption without a concealed carry permit. Your firearm
must remain concealed, and, you can
NOT consume alcohol!
You can't carry discretely into any place that serves alcohol for consumption if they have signs posted prohibiting firearms. (They don't get my money...)
Private businesses can ask you to leave, if you don't you can be charged with trespassing. (None of my money there either!)
No carrying into government buildings or onto school grounds. The 1000' GFSZ law isn't enforced in AZ.
Be careful around reservation land, they have their own rules and it can get dicey.
Of course, drinking and carrying is a bad combination, don't!
When in a vehicle, you may carry discretely if you are over 21, if stopped by a LEO, you might be asked if you have a firearm, if you are asked, you must tell them. They
might take the firearm for the duration of the stop.
AzcdlFred posted this:
I highly recommend you print and read this document:
Arizona Gun Owners Guide
It's the best resource you can find for Arizona's gun laws and what they mean.
It's not free, but well worth the small price.
It's always best to go directly to the source of the law to find out where you stand!
You probably won't run into any problems here, the sight of firearms in AZ is pretty common. You might get a comment or question about the brand/model/caliber you're carrying, that's about it!
Enjoy your stay!
-MH
EDIT - Updated link to most up to date information. Thank you Fred!