Planning on going down this year for the first time. Anyone have any tips from past experiences? Also, where is some good nightlife to hit up after the fireworks?

Get there early. Traffic is an absolute bitch, and you will not get a seat on the wall if you're not there very early. It gets packed quick.

I've gone a few times, but I just can't deal with the crowd anymore.

I have to be drunk by 3 to tolerate the massive amount of people. By the time the fireworks start I am usually so pissed off at said people I have no interest in things exploding.

Red White and Boom is like an execution of perfection compared to the traffic nightmare you are planning on enduring. Have fun though, I'll be down there again. Definition of stupidity..

Luckily I won't be driving so hopefully it won't be as stressful. haha

Any places I should check out afterwards?