Oceanside CA— MiraCosta College history professor Dr. Brad Byrom has developed, and is leading, a new historical tour of the Old Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, the first tour the mission has offered in five years.
An expert in California and mission history, Dr. Byrom has served as a volunteer docent at the mission since 2010.
“After a few years, I realized there was a need for a public tour,” said Dr. Byrom. “I spoke to the Franciscan brotherhood at San Luis Rey who operate the mission, and presented the plans for a secular historical tour of the mission grounds.”
Dr. Byrom’s tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the mission and allows visitors to see areas not normally open to the public, including the private rose garden and the pepper tree.
“The tour really took off and we regularly get about 20-40 visitors a day,” said Dr. Byrom. “Most visitors have visited all 21 missions, have a real fascination with them, and are looking for an experience they can’t get from reading history books.”
The cost of the tour is $12 per person and $10 for students and active military. Dr. Byrom leads the 60-minute tours every Saturday. For tour hours and registration, visit sanluisrey.org or call 760.757.3651, x115.
For more information about Dr. Byrom, visit miracosta.edu/bradbyrom
MiraCosta College Professor Develops Tour of Mission San Luis Rey
July 10, 2015