How long should first date last? The average first date will last between an hour and two hours. You will meet at a coffee place or a pub and will get to know each other . After that you will drive her back home or just escort her to her car and maybe you'll get to have a french kiss but most of the time not. This is not a bad way to do this and it can be a nice buildup for the next date which usually be a movie date or some kind of activity.
What Im saying is that Why not do a "mega" first date? well it could be a mistake if you met the girl and she doesnt look at all like on the pictures or she has an awful personality which somehow got blinded by you through texting with her or even on the phone (can happen..) before hand. In those cases it is a good idea to finish the date as fast as possible and avoid being too nice.
But, If the girl seems attractive and nice , I suggest you try some time to go all the way. Take her to a dinner, not just coffee or beer. have a coffe or beer after :). After that take her to a movie, I mean spontaneously , without a plan just go to a nearby cinema and pick a movie together , this alone will be a good get to know you experience. After the movie or even during it you may very well be on a second base with her and theres a good chance for a kiss. So this is a good time to take her to a more relaxing place like the beach for example.
After all of this you will probably make out already if not having sex in your place or hers and if not it will probably happen the next date.
Just a suggestion :)