A large chunk of plot is based on Alcatraz having a commissary (i.e. a place to buy items not issued by the prison). However, rule 49 of the inmate regulations famously states: "49. SPECIAL PURCHASES: There is no commissary at Alcatraz. The institution supplies all your needs. You are not allowed to have anything sent to you from home, friends or relatives".
The aerial view of the bridge spanning the bay is the eastern span of the San Francisco Bay Bridge which will be replaced by a new span which is under construction and should be clearly visible in the contemporary scenes.