By Devoun Cetoute and Pedro Portal
Updated March 22, 2025 – 7:17 PM
Spring break festivities continued in Miami Beach on Saturday, but the scene was far from the wild, packed celebrations many associate with the season. Instead of booming parties and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, the atmosphere felt more like a laid-back autumn afternoon.
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A Quieter Peak Weekend
Saturday marked what’s usually the second “peak weekend” of spring break in the city. But the vibe this year was subdued — fewer people, low music, and more locals than tourists. South Beach’s sandy shores saw just a handful of sunbathers, joggers, sandcastle builders, and swimmers. It was a far cry from the intense, sometimes chaotic gatherings of years past, especially those involving large groups of college students.
Why the Change?
Many attribute the quiet spring break to the Miami Beach government’s tough regulations — now in their second consecutive year. A strong police presence, road closures, steep towing fees, and limited parking were all still in effect Saturday. These policies appear to be doing exactly what city officials intended: toning down the party.
Jack Brust, a University of Miami student originally from New York, shared his mixed feelings about the new normal. “If it were a party town year-round, I’d understand all the rules,” he said. “But for just a couple weekends, it’d be nice to have a little more fun.”
Families and Locals Take the Lead
This year, it’s locals and families who are taking advantage of the quieter environment. Leismary Davis, a Miami resident, gathered friends on the beach to celebrate her birthday. The more relaxed atmosphere has made South Beach feel more family-friendly, offering a safer alternative to the sometimes-volatile spring breaks of the past.
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Dancers, Performers, and a New Life
Among those enjoying or working during spring break was Natalia Khrystenko, a Ukrainian refugee who’s lived in Miami for a year. She was seen promoting the Park Central Hotel on Saturday, dancing in a shimmering gold costume reminiscent of flamenco performers.
“I’ve learned how to live life again here,” she said, reflecting on her transition from war-torn Ukraine to a new life in Miami Beach. For her, spring break isn’t about the party — it’s about building a future.
Police See Progress
Miami Beach Police Spokesperson Christopher Bess reported positive results from this year’s spring break enforcement efforts. Between February 25 and March 22, there were 374 spring break-related arrests — down 14% from last year.
“Things are looking great,” Bess said. “Our resources have been effective, leading to another successful spring break.”
Scenes from a Softer Spring Break
Even without massive crowds, South Beach still offered moments of life and color:
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Visitors from Italy played Teqball in Lummus Park.
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Vintage cars cruised down Ocean Drive.
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A drag performance lit up The Palace.
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Families strolled past officers on patrol.
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Locals played beach volleyball under sunny skies.
It wasn’t the rowdiest spring break Miami Beach has seen, but for many, that was exactly the point.