Belleair is a beach that faces more north compared to nearby Indian Rocks, making it a decent spot for those weaker cold fronts with north winds. It's primarily a shorebreak to mid-break location. However, do keep in mind it's situated in a private residential area, so finding a place to park can be a real pain. If you're driving south from Sand Key, look for the Belleair Beach Motel as a landmark.
The surf here can vary, handling swell sizes from about 1.5m to 2.4m (5ft to 8ft). The waves will generally break over sand, providing a mix of both right and left waves. For the best conditions, aim for low to mid tide, especially when the swell is coming from the North to NorthEast direction. On good days, paddling is easy, but you might find it more challenging when there's a bigger windswell. Winds from the North, NorthEast, or EastNorthEast are your best bets for cleaner conditions.
As for crowds, you won’t find many out there—though the local vibe tends to stay more on land with the residents, who don’t always welcome surfers with open arms. It’s worth noting that Belleair is pretty average overall when it comes to surf spots, though it does hold a bit of history with Cory Lopez and his crew catching some close-to-shore runners in those old Lost videos. If you plan on catching some waves, just be sure to scout for affordable parking and stay chill with the locals.