Fall on the Seacoast is a little different from just about anywhere else in New Hampshire.

Yes, the White Mountains are gorgeous. The foliage is ridiculous. The winding roads and covered bridges are worth the drive. And that one UFO-centric bathroom in Lincoln is a tribute to another world

But you’ll find an awe-inspiring October day without leaving Portsmouth. (And the alien-informed Betty & Barney exhibit is up at the Portsmouth Historical Society through Nov. 2.)

The air is cooler, the summer folks head home, and the trees start putting on a show. Suddenly, wandering downtown with a coffee or poking around shops for a few hours sounds like a pretty good plan (even if you live here year-round!)

Here are seven ways to do it.

1. Grab coffee and wander Market Square (and further out) before the crowds arrive

There’s something nice about Market Square on a cool October morning. The brick sidewalks, the old buildings, people starting their day — and, ideally, coffee.

Start at Popovers on the Square for coffee and a popover. (Yes, you should get the popover, especially if you’ve never even heard of one.)

Or head over to White Heron Tea & Coffee Community for locally roasted coffee and a little neighborhood energy.

Need breakfast, too? The Works Bakery Cafe is a solid stop for a bagel and coffee before you start wandering.

And wandering is the point. Plus, don’t limit yourself to those spots we namedrop above, find your own here: (or just walk on by what looks interesting!)

2. Take a walk where the woods meet the water

One of the great things about this part of New Hampshire is that you don’t have to pick between fall foliage and the coast.

At Odiorne Point State Park in neighboring Rye, you get rocky shoreline, trails and plenty of trees doing their October thing (and sometimes you’ll see a wedding). Or stay in Portsmouth and check out the Urban Forestry Center, an 182-acre preserve with walking trails, an arboretum, demonstration gardens and forestry exhibits. And yes, dogs are allowed, but they must remain leashed at all times

Bring a camera. Bring a jacket. Bring something warm to drink—the usual October equipment.

3. Find a new favorite cider

Fall is cider season, and North Country Hard Cider in Dover gives you plenty of options.

The tasting room has more than 18 handcrafted ciders on tap, with a rotating lineup that ranges from crisp and dry to fruity and, well, a little more adventurous.

And if you don’t feel like making the trip to Dover, keep an eye on local brewery tap lists. Fire Starter and other North Country ciders turn up around the Seacoast.

4. Eat something pumpkin-spiced — or don’t

We’re not here to judge.

Some people wait all year for pumpkin spice. Others would happily make it through October without seeing another pumpkin-flavored anything, and are quite vocal about it.

The Seacoast has both camps covered.

Check out Buckley’s Market & Cafe or Popovers for seasonal treats, and take a look at the pastry case at La Maison Navarre for whatever fall-inspired French treat happens to be making an appearance.

Or skip pumpkin entirely.

A croissant is still an excellent October breakfast.

5. Go shopping for something you absolutely did not need

This is one of the easiest things to do in Portsmouth: Start walking downtown with no particular plan.

Pop into a shop. Find something you weren’t looking for. Decide you need it.

The Shop at 3S Artspace, A Pleasant Shoppe, and Local Anchor are good places to start if you’re looking for something made by an independent maker. Book people should make time for Reedmor Books & Brews (the best of both worlds). It’s also a good place to find out what’s happening around town, from book groups to poetry events. And if you want something that literally says Portsmouth, check out Just Portsmouth and Tugboat Alley.

6. Hear some live music

Check out: The Music Hall, The Press Room, 3S Artspace, Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club, and The Dance Hall in Kittery, Maine, just over the bridge.

But don’t stop there.

The Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival brings music to venues around town, and you can also catch concerts aboard the Gundalow Piscataqua and the Isles of Shoals Steamship. (depending when you’re reading this!)

Sometimes the best concert venue is a boat.

7. Take a walk through one of Portsmouth’s historic neighborhoods

Or just…walk.

Head away from the busier downtown streets and take a look at Portsmouth’s old houses, gardens and side streets. See which flowers are still hanging on. Notice the architectural details you usually walk right past.

There’s no itinerary required.

That’s one of the nicest things about Portsmouth in October. You can spend a whole afternoon here without feeling like you have to accomplish anything.

And yes, we need to talk about sweaters.

Fall in Portsmouth practically demands a good sweater. Preferably one with pockets big enough for your phone, your keys and whatever completely unnecessary thing you just bought downtown.

A few places to start:

Maxxology — Fashion-forward finds and clothes that can make you look considerably more put-together than you felt when you left the house.

Overland Sheepskin Co. — Warm layers, outerwear and plenty of things designed for people who take being cozy seriously. They might cost more, but you’ll own it FOREVER.

Inside Out — Clothing and accessories with a LOT of personality.

Ganesh Imports — Colorful, eclectic and full of things you probably won’t find at the mall (because if your mall is like ours, it’s been demolished.)

Sault New England — Classic New England style with a modern edge. Lots of items for men!

Evie — A fun boutique worth browsing — and their social media is a must. They’re sassy!

And if you’re willing to drive a few extra minutes, head to Christine’s Crossing in Rye for a little supremely curated sweater-weather shopping.

So, put on a sweater, grab a cup of coffee, listen to a tune or two and call it a day!