Gunfire erupted in an area of Miami Beach crowded with party goers enjoying booze-filled nights out for spring break, killing one person, wounding another and sending dozens scrambling for safety.

Two men were shot Friday night, and one person was detained at the scene, the Miami Beach Police Department tweeted. 

It wasn't clear if the person being held was the shooter. Police also said four guns were recovered.

The shooting happened on South Beach's Ocean Drive which is closed to vehicle traffic along its busiest stretch.

One of the victims died at a hospital and the second person was listed in critical condition. Their identities are yet to be released.

Footage of the incident showed people diving for cover and running from several gunshots being fired. Several blocks were cordoned off with yellow crime scene tape.

Police are yet to comment on why the shooting took place and comes as the second in many years during spring break on South Beach. 

Last year, the city imposed a midnight curfew following two shootings also on Ocean Drive - the same was not imposed after this week's shooting.

The year before that, there were about 1,000 arrests and dozens of guns confiscated during a rowdy spring break that led Miami Beach officials to take steps aimed at calming the situation.