The low-frequency variability in Delaware's inland bays is examined based on observational data derived from a combination of tide gauges, moored current meters, and free-floating Woodhead drifters. The currents and surface elevations in the bays exhibit considerable fluctuations at subtidal timescales of 2--7 days. These subtidal fluctuations are forced primarily by the remote atmospheric effects through the imposition of coastal sea level setup or setdown at the entrance of the bays. To first order, the current and sea level fluctuations in the interior of the system respond to coastal forcing in a pumping mode fashion. With a coastal setup (or setdown), water is pumped into (or out of) the system from all open boundaries. This pumping mode response produces vigorous subtidal current fluctuations (of the order of 25 cm/s) in the Indian River Inlet. In addition to the subtidal fluctuations, the data also indicate the presence of significant residual currents of the order of 10 cm/s in the Indian River Inlet. The residual currents have a pattern of surface outflow and bottom inflow that is consistent with the density-induced gravitational circulation. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1994