Hello

I'm coming from very far and will spend a few more days in the US before heading back to Korea after Coachella.

On Wednesday(24th), I will visit Joshua Tree National Park and see the sunset.
Then I will drive all the way to Monterey.
Google map tells me it's going to take 7 hours.

The map shows me 2 directions.
1) I-10W and then I-5N
2) Through Barstow and Bakersfield

I think I'll choose no.2 to avoid traffic on I-10 and I-5?
What would you locals choose?

Also, how strict is the speeding enforcement in the nighttime?
I'd better drive under the speed limits all the way?
I guess I was extremely lucky to have not been pulled over last two years.