Wow, thanks for all the great info! I'll most likely arrive on the evening of the 4th so I should hopefully miss all of the congestion. Although the fireworks at midnight sounds cool, might have to see about coming in a day early.
Rain doesn't bother me in the least, living in San Diego for the last 7 years I actually miss rain and enjoy it whenever I'm somewhere that has actual weather.
Whale watching sounds like a good idea for a day activity, thanks for the recommendation fti.
I guess my main concern that there would be a mass influx of folk that weekend and make it un-enjoyable. Sounds like it'll be the same traffic over the summer regardless of holiday. Hopefully I can find a bar on a back road somewhere to avoid the crowds.
Thanks again!