I'm not really an expert, but it might be better to take Amtrak (yes it costs more) but it goes to San Clemente Pier where I believe you would find more interesting things to see and do (restaurants, shops, etc.).

If you insist on Metrolink, there appears to be local buses i.e. OCTA #191 that connect the Avenida Pico Station to the Pier area, but you would have to check Metrolink and OCTA schedules to see if that would work.

Separately, the Metrolink/Amtrak station in San Juan Capistrano is close to restaurants, shops and the very interesting old mission there...well worth a visit.

There are probably four or five restaurants near the pier.If you want shopping,you will still need to head up the hill to the main Del Mar shopping area.

San Juan is a good destination also,if you didn't have to see the ocean.Several shops and restaurants (and the Mission) are really close to the station.You could probably walk that as it is pretty flat,and close together.

El Adobe is a nice restaurant ,with an interesting historical jail/wine cellar that seats 6-8 people.

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