MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Spring break is back in South Beach, and the sidewalks are full of people and restaurant tables are nearly full.

The city has eased some of its strict rules from previous years, encouraging a mix of fun and fitness activities. Officials say the change appears to be working.

“I think it’s great,” said Joey Gutierrez. “I think it’s great for the community actually. You see a lot of the turnaround. You see a lot more people every so often. I think more people are getting into the health and fitness instead of the party life.”

Visitors are noticing the changes too.

Danielle Schreader, visiting from Pennsylvania, said, “I’ve been coming to South Beach for years, and I was actually telling my husband I will bring my teenagers here now.”

Restaurant managers, who saw low foot traffic last year, say the spring break weekend is off to a strong start.

Even with relaxed restrictions, some measures remain in place.

License plate readers, DUI enforcement, high parking rates, security checkpoints, and a ban on golf carts will continue. Volunteers wearing pink Goodwill Ambassador T-shirts are also out reminding visitors of safety rules.

The mix of crowds, safety measures, and fitness-focused activities signals a new approach to spring break in South Beach.

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